Tegbe did not promise to fix Nigeria’s power grid in three months, spokesperson clarifies

The office of the Minister-designate, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has dismissed media reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s power grid within three months, describing the reports as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Adeola A. Adelabu, the clarification followed remarks made by Tegbe during his Senate screening on 6 May 2026.

According to the statement, the Minister-designate made no commitment to resolving the country’s electricity challenges within a three-month period. Rather, he explained that timelines for reforms and improvements in the power sector were still being determined through diagnostics and consultations with stakeholders.

The statement noted that while Tegbe assured lawmakers that initial efforts to stabilise the national grid would begin within his first 100 days in office, he also stressed that broader structural reforms could take about a year to implement.

These reforms, he said, would focus on improving sector credibility, addressing gas supply constraints and expanding metering infrastructure.

“My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector,” Tegbe said.

He further pledged to stabilise the national grid, modernise infrastructure, strengthen commercial frameworks and enforce accountability across the electricity value chain.

On electricity tariff reforms, Tegbe said vulnerable households would be protected while ensuring sustainability, investor confidence and improved sector efficiency.

The statement also emphasised that the Minister-designate remains open to constructive engagement with the media and welcomes requests for clarification where necessary.

According to Adelabu, the media plays an important role in nation-building, particularly in promoting accurate public understanding of the reforms expected in Nigeria’s power sector.

The spokesperson added that Tegbe remains committed to disciplined execution, transparency and measurable progress in addressing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges.