Tegbe Denies Promising to Fix Nigeria’s Power Grid in Three Months
Nigeria’s minister-designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has dismissed widespread reports claiming he promised to repair the country’s troubled national power grid within three months.
The clarification came through a statement released by his spokesperson, Adeola Adelabu, following what the camp described as a “misrepresentation” of remarks made during Tegbe’s Senate screening on May 6, 2026.
According to the statement, Tegbe never issued a three-month deadline for solving Nigeria’s long-standing electricity crisis. Instead, he explained that reforms in the power sector would depend heavily on consultations, technical reviews, and cooperation among key stakeholders across the industry.
The controversy began after reports circulated online suggesting the minister-designate had boldly pledged to stabilise the national grid within 90 days if confirmed. The claim quickly sparked debate among Nigerians, many of whom remain frustrated by repeated grid collapses, poor electricity supply, and rising energy costs.
However, Tegbe’s team insists his actual comments were more measured and realistic.
What Tegbe Actually Said
During his screening before the Senate, Tegbe reportedly stated that his administration would begin immediate efforts to stabilise the power sector within his first 100 days in office. He added that broader structural reforms could take up to one year to implement effectively.
The minister-designate outlined several priority areas expected to shape his approach to Nigeria’s electricity challenges, including:
Strengthening the credibility of the power sector
Improving gas supply for electricity generation
Expanding electricity metering nationwide
Modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure
Reforming commercial frameworks within the sector
Enforcing accountability across the electricity value chain
His comments appear aimed at presenting a more practical roadmap rather than making dramatic promises that may be difficult to fulfil.
Nigeria’s Endless Power Struggles
Nigeria’s power sector has remained one of the country’s most difficult governance challenges for decades. Despite billions of naira invested in generation, transmission, and distribution projects over the years, millions of Nigerians still experience blackouts daily.
Frequent national grid collapses have become common, affecting homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses across the country. Many small businesses now depend heavily on generators and alternative energy sources to survive.
Experts have repeatedly blamed several factors for the sector’s poor performance, including:
Weak transmission infrastructure
Insufficient gas supply
Poor maintenance culture
Electricity theft and unpaid bills
Inadequate metering
Policy inconsistencies
Massive debts owed within the power chain
Tegbe’s comments suggest the incoming administration recognises that solving these issues will require long-term planning rather than quick political promises.
Focus on Metering and Accountability
One of the major areas Tegbe reportedly highlighted during his Senate appearance was electricity metering.
Millions of Nigerians still complain about estimated billing, with many consumers arguing they are charged unfairly despite receiving poor electricity supply. Expanding access to prepaid meters is expected to be one of the administration’s key reform priorities.
The minister-designate also stressed the need for accountability across the power value chain — from generation companies to transmission agencies and electricity distribution companies.
Industry observers say improving transparency and commercial discipline could help restore investor confidence in the sector, which has struggled with funding challenges for years.
Balancing Tariff Reforms and Consumer Protection
Another sensitive issue addressed during the screening was electricity tariffs.
Recent tariff adjustments have generated criticism from consumers already battling inflation and rising living costs. Tegbe reportedly assured lawmakers that future reforms would seek to protect vulnerable Nigerians while still maintaining sustainability for investors and operators in the industry.
Balancing affordability with commercial viability remains one of the biggest policy dilemmas facing Nigeria’s power sector.
Analysts say investors are unlikely to commit fresh capital without cost-reflective tariffs, while ordinary Nigerians continue to demand better electricity before accepting higher prices.
Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle
Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently nominated Tegbe as Minister of Power following the exit of Adebayo Adelabu during the federal cabinet reshuffle.
The appointment places fresh expectations on Tegbe at a time when public frustration over electricity supply remains extremely high.
Many Nigerians will now be watching closely to see whether the incoming minister can deliver meaningful improvements in power generation and distribution, especially as businesses continue to struggle with rising energy costs.
For now, Tegbe appears determined to manage expectations carefully, distancing himself from claims of unrealistic promises while emphasising gradual but structured reforms.
Still, with Nigeria’s electricity crisis affecting nearly every sector of the economy, pressure on the new minister-designate is expected to remain intense from day one.
Public Reactions
The clarification has already triggered mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians praised Tegbe for being realistic about the complexity of fixing the grid, others argued that the country has heard similar promises from previous administrations without significant change.
Many citizens insist that what matters most is not political statements, but visible improvements in electricity supply, reduced blackouts, and fair billing systems.
As confirmation proceedings continue, Nigerians are waiting to see whether Tegbe’s proposed reforms will finally bring lasting stability to the country’s troubled power sector.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Nigeria’s electricity sector — generation, transmission, distribution, corruption, or policy inconsistency?
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