Many Nigerians still lack reliable electricity supply – Power minister

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The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has acknowledged that many Nigerians are still without reliable electricity despite ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve power supply across the country.

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Tegbe, who disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, said he understood the frustration of Nigerians who had yet to experience the improvements being recorded in the power sector since he assumed office three months ago.

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He said his administration had focused largely on diagnosing and addressing longstanding challenges in the sector, including restoring the 375-megawatt Alaoji power plant after three years offline.

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“We spent much of this period on diagnosis and repair; restoring the 375MW Alaoji plant after three years offline, unlocking transmission capacity in Lagos, Abuja and other places, mobilising funds toward a debt burden that has quietly undermined this sector for years,” he said.

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The minister added that the government had also deployed more than 350,000 electricity meters following the resolution of what he described as a legal quagmire involving the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors and Manufacturers of Nigeria.

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Tegbe, however, admitted that the measures had yet to translate into reliable electricity for many Nigerians.

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“Admittedly, many Nigerians are still without reliable power, and I understand the frustration of hearing about progress you haven’t personally felt yet. I’m not going to pretend that away,” he said.

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According to him, fixing the power sector would require time and sustained reforms, stressing that he would not make promises of quick solutions that would not be sustainable.

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The minister also said there was no plan to increase electricity tariffs, adding that his position was not politically motivated.

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“To be clear: there’s no plan to raise tariffs, and this is no political statement,” he said.

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Tegbe restated his commitment to improving grid stability, electricity supply reliability and billing accuracy, while ensuring faster resolution of consumer complaints.

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He thanked officials working in the sector under difficult conditions and Nigerians who continued to engage with the government on the challenges facing electricity supply.

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“We’re not there yet, but we’re moving,” he said.

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