Electricity: ‘Our freezers now freezing’ – Power Minister says Nigerians begging him to slow down

The Minister of Power in Nigeria, Joseph Tegbe, has revealed that some Nigerians have been asking him to "slow down" with the improvements in electricity supply. At the commissioning of a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, Tegbe stated that people are complaining that their freezers are working continuously due to the increased electricity supply.

He shared that he has been receiving feedback from electricity consumers following the enhancements in power availability in various parts of the country. Tegbe explained that areas that had no electricity for three months are now experiencing 18 hours of light. He noted that some individuals had called him to express their concern that their freezers were freezing food, which is the intended function of a freezer.

The minister stated that he had promised Nigerians improvements in electricity supply within three to six months. However, Tegbe acknowledged the challenges facing the power sector, specifically mentioning that some of the country's electricity infrastructure are more than 40 years old. He expressed concerns over the vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure, revealing that three major transmission towers in Birnin Kebbi had been brought down by vandals.