No Quick Fix to Power Crisis, But Improvements Underway — Tegbe

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has assured Nigerians that although there is no immediate solution to the country’s longstanding electricity challenges, steady progress is being made to improve power supply nationwide.

Speaking shortly after assuming office, Tegbe acknowledged the frustrations of consumers and businesses affected by inadequate electricity but insisted that reforms already underway are beginning to yield positive results.

He explained that addressing the challenges facing the power sector requires sustained investments, policy consistency, and cooperation among stakeholders. According to him, improvements in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure remain central to the government’s strategy.

“There is no magic wand that can solve decades of challenges overnight, but we are committed to ensuring measurable progress and delivering better outcomes for Nigerians,” he said.

READ ALSO: First Lady Urges Girls to Lead Nigeria’s Digital Future

The minister noted that recent efforts have led to improvements in electricity generation capacity and grid stability. He added that ongoing projects aimed at expanding transmission networks and upgrading distribution systems would further enhance supply reliability.

Tegbe emphasized that private sector participation remains crucial to achieving long-term sustainability in the power sector. He said the government would continue to create an environment that encourages investment while ensuring accountability among operators.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the minister’s remarks, describing them as realistic given the complexity of Nigeria’s electricity challenges. However, they stressed the need for accelerated implementation of reforms and stronger regulatory oversight.

Experts say inadequate infrastructure, funding constraints, and technical losses have contributed to persistent power shortages across the country. Many businesses continue to rely on alternative energy sources, increasing operational costs and affecting productivity.

The minister assured Nigerians that efforts are being made to address these issues systematically. He highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration between government agencies, power generation companies, transmission operators, and distribution firms.

Consumer advocacy groups called for greater transparency in the sector, urging authorities to keep the public informed about ongoing projects and expected timelines for improvements.

Tegbe reiterated that while immediate transformation may not be possible, consistent reforms and targeted investments would gradually improve service delivery. He expressed confidence that the sector can achieve significant progress if all stakeholders remain committed to the reform agenda.

The minister pledged to maintain regular engagement with industry players and consumers as part of efforts to build trust and ensure accountability within the power sector.