By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria’s newly sworn-in Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians of sustained improvements in electricity supply, declaring that the Federal Government has already begun implementing key reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s power sector.

Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Tegbe expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the sector, pledging to serve with integrity, diligence, and accountability.

The minister disclosed that since his confirmation by the Senate, the Ministry of Power and its agencies have developed a structured reform strategy focused on disciplined execution, measurable milestones, and transparency.

According to him, extensive consultations have been held with critical stakeholders, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and FGN Power Company.

Tegbe also revealed that discussions with international development partners and funding agencies have yielded positive responses, with several organizations indicating readiness to provide liquidity support for the power sector.

Highlighting early achievements under the reform drive, the minister announced the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained inactive for three years. He said the plant has been restored by NDPHC and can now supply up to 375 megawatts to the national grid.

He further noted that TCN recently energized new transmission infrastructure at Katampe in Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, boosting transmission capacity and grid stability across several regions of the country.

The minister also commended the swift response of TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) following the failure of a 100MVA transformer in Abuja, stating that electricity supply was fully restored within 24 hours through coordinated emergency efforts.

On consumer protection, Tegbe pointed to NERC’s recent directive requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers for power supply shortfalls, describing the move as evidence of the government’s determination to hold operators accountable while safeguarding consumers’ interests.

He attributed the recent progress in the sector to the renewed commitment and professionalism of workers across the Ministry of Power and its agencies, as well as the cooperation of private sector partners.

While acknowledging the longstanding challenges confronting the electricity industry, the minister appealed for patience and understanding from Nigerians, stressing that decades-old problems would require time to resolve fully.

“I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvement, and I will continue to communicate honestly with Nigerians every step of the way,” he said.

Tegbe reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving reliable and affordable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries nationwide, insisting that the administration remains firmly on course under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The destination is clear — reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian, around the clock. We will keep moving, we will keep delivering, and the improvements will keep coming,” the minister assured.