Many Nigerians still lack reliable electricity supply – Power minister

The Nigerian Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has stated that many Nigerians still lack reliable electricity supply despite ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to enhance power provision. Tegbe, who made this announcement on his X account, expressed empathy for Nigerians who remain frustrated by the slow progress in improving the power sector since his administration took office three months ago.

In the past three months, the government has prioritized diagnosing and addressing longstanding challenges, including the restoration of the 375-megawatt Alaoji power plant, which had been offline for three years. The minister also highlighted the unlocking of transmission capacity in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations, as well as the mobilization of funds to alleviate the sector's debt burden.

However, despite these efforts, Tegbe acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to experience unreliable electricity supply. He emphasized that fixing the power sector requires time and sustained reforms, warning against making promises of quick solutions that may not be sustainable. The Federal Government has ruled out the idea of increasing electricity tariffs, asserting that such a move is not politically motivated.

Tegbe reiterated his commitment to improving grid stability, electricity supply reliability, and billing accuracy while ensuring a faster resolution of consumer complaints. He expressed gratitude to the officials working in the sector under challenging conditions and to Nigerians who continue to engage with the government on the issues affecting electricity supply.