Power Minister: Some Nigerians Begging Me To Slow Down Because ‘Freezers Are Freezing’
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has claimed that some electricity consumers have asked him to slow down with the remarkable improvement in power supply, joking that their “freezers were freezing”. Speaking at the commissioning of the 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, on Wednesday, the minister said consumers were benefiting from […]
Power Minister Joseph Tegbe revealed that some Nigerians have requested him to slow down the rapid improvement in power supply, jokingly stating their "freezers were freezing." Speaking at the inauguration of a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, the minister noted that consumers were benefitting from recent federal government interventions.
He explained, "Places that didn't have light at all for three months are now having 18 hours of light. Some areas called me to say, look, I should slow down, that everything in their freezer is freezing." The minister reminded the audience that he had previously stated that Nigerians would see improvements in electricity supply within three to six months.
However, he acknowledged the challenges within the sector, citing that many electricity infrastructure components were over 40 years old. Tegbe emphasized that the government was systematically replacing and phasing out the old infrastructure. He also expressed concern over the vandalism of critical power infrastructure, revealing that three major transmission towers in Birnin Kebbi had been destroyed by vandals.
These towers supplied electricity to Kebbi State and reached as far as Niger Republic. Tegbe announced the establishment of a joint working committee consisting of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect national electricity assets. Additionally, the government is working to ensure that vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure is treated as a serious criminal offense.
Regarding the university solar project, Tegbe explained that the facility integrates a 3.3-megawatt solar array with 3MW AC output capacity and battery storage to provide reliable electricity to various university facilities. He stated that the project would benefit over 58,726 students, comprising 6,078 photovoltaic panels and 388 streetlights.
The project, part of the Energising Education Programme, was described by the REA's Managing Director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, as a significant milestone. Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, emphasized the importance of dependable electricity for the institution's academic mission.
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