ABUJA — The newly sworn-in Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has pledged to deliver visible improvements in electricity supply across Nigeria, though he cautioned that the public should not expect an immediate or "magic" solution to the nation’s longstanding energy crisis.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Monday, June 8, 2026, following his formal inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Minister Tegbe emphasized that his approach would be grounded in structural reform and execution discipline rather than unrealistic promises.
"I am not promising a magic wand. I am not promising twenty-four hours, seven days a week power," Tegbe stated. "We will get there ultimately, but what I promise Nigerians is that we will see visible improvements."
The minister noted that feedback collected over the past four weeks, since his confirmation by the Senate, suggests that electricity supply has already begun to stabilize in several parts of the country. He attributed these early gains to increased government investment and improved synergy between the Ministry of Power and critical agencies such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.
Addressing the perennial constraints that have hampered the sector—including aging infrastructure, maintenance challenges, and gas supply issues—Tegbe asserted that the administration is committed to addressing the sector's "peculiarities." He cited recent operational successes, such as the rapid restoration of power in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and the revival of previously dormant generation assets at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, as evidence of a renewed commitment to performance.
The new minister brings over 35 years of experience in fiscal, economic, and institutional reform to the portfolio. His appointment comes at a critical time, as the country continues to grapple with high energy costs exacerbated by global supply disruptions and a challenging cost-of-living environment.
Tegbe assured the public that the Federal Government’s reform strategy is anchored in clear milestones and accountability. He urged Nigerians to bear with the administration as it works to resolve the complex bottlenecks in generation, transmission, and distribution, affirming that vulnerable citizens will remain a priority in the ongoing efforts to expand energy access.
