Newly confirmed minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has identified five priority areas aimed at achieving stable electricity supply across the country, addressing longstanding challenges in generation, transmission, and distribution.
Tegbe outlined these priorities during his screening by the Senate on Wednesday.
The key areas include, according to him, include:
• Enhancing gas supply to boost power generation capacity;
• Improving grid infrastructure to enhance reliability and reduce outages;
• Implementing accountability measures in distribution companies.
• Expediting the rollout of meters to customers; and
• Restoring financial viability across the sector.
In his address, Tegbe stressed the importance of electricity to national development, stating: “Electricity is not just a sector. It is the foundation of productivity, dignity, and national confidence.” He acknowledged persistent challenges across the power value chain, noting that while there is no “quick fix,” there is a “disciplined path to solving it,” anchored on execution discipline and measurable progress.
“We will replace uncertainty with clarity, inefficiency with discipline, and promises with measurable progress,” he said.
On timelines, Tegbe pledged to begin immediate diagnostics of the issues and robust stakeholder engagement before arriving at a timeline for a steady power supply, but indicated that some improvements could be achieved within three months. He added that broader reforms, such as restoring sector credibility, improving gas supply, and accelerating metering, are expected to materialise within the first year.
He also pledged to work closely with the National Assembly and other stakeholders, noting that sustained progress would require a coordinated national effort.
Reinforcing his commitment to delivery, Tegbe assured Nigerians of visible improvements in no distant time, adding: “I will be accountable for progress, responsible in communication, and disciplined in execution.”
Recall that the Senate on Wednesday screened the then minister of Power designate.
Discussions centred on his reform agenda and plans to address longstanding challenges in the power sector.
