No Quick Fixes, But Measurable Progress: Power Minister Seeks Patience as Electricity Supply Shows Signs of Improvement
By Ebis Freeman – As the government pushes forward with reforms, Nigerians will be watching closely to determine whether the recent gains mark the beginning of a lasting turnaround in a sector long considered one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has urged Nigerians to remain patient, supportive, and prayerful as the Federal Government continues efforts to reform the nation’s troubled electricity sector, stressing that meaningful change will come through steady and measurable progress rather than instant solutions.
Speaking amid growing public interest in the state of electricity supply nationwide, Tegbe said recent developments in the sector indicate that ongoing interventions are beginning to yield results. According to him, many parts of the country have experienced noticeable improvements in power availability over the past four weeks, offering a glimpse of what sustained reforms can achieve.
“Nigerians should continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pray for us as power supply has improved across the country in the last four weeks,” the minister stated.
The remarks reflect what has emerged as Tegbe’s governing approach since assuming office: a commitment to realistic expectations, strategic interventions, and measurable outcomes rather than promises of overnight transformation.
Since taking charge of the ministry, the minister has engaged extensively with stakeholders across the power value chain, including officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, generation companies, distribution firms, and regulatory agencies. These consultations, he explained, are aimed at identifying critical bottlenecks and implementing practical solutions capable of delivering sustainable improvements.
For decades, Nigeria’s power sector has struggled under the weight of inadequate infrastructure, transmission constraints, gas supply challenges, and recurring grid disturbances. Despite an installed generation capacity exceeding 13,000 megawatts, actual electricity output has often remained between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts, leaving millions of households and businesses dependent on alternative energy sources.
Against this backdrop, the Tinubu administration has identified power sector reform as a cornerstone of its economic growth agenda. Improved electricity supply is widely viewed as essential to boosting industrial productivity, attracting investment, creating jobs, and reducing the cost of doing business.
Tegbe believes the path to achieving those goals lies not in quick fixes but in carefully coordinated actions that produce visible and lasting results. He acknowledged the frustrations of Nigerians who have endured years of unreliable electricity but maintained that progress is already becoming evident in several communities.
Industry observers note that a combination of factors may be contributing to the recent improvements, including increased hydroelectric generation during the rainy season, maintenance works on key infrastructure, and enhanced coordination among sector operators.
The minister’s confidence is also shaped by his professional background. A technocrat with expertise in engineering, accounting, and strategic management, Tegbe previously served as Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, where he was involved in coordinating major development initiatives and fostering international collaborations. Analysts believe this experience could play a significant role in attracting the investments and partnerships needed to modernize Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.
While public reaction to his comments has been mixed, many Nigerians in areas experiencing longer hours of electricity supply have welcomed the positive developments with cautious optimism. Others remain skeptical, insisting that sustained improvements over a longer period will be the true test of the administration’s reforms.
For Tegbe, however, the message remains clear: transforming Nigeria’s power sector is a journey that requires persistence, collaboration, and public confidence. The objective, he says, is not to offer quick fixes but to deliver measurable progress that citizens can see, feel, and rely on in their daily lives.
As the government pushes forward with reforms, Nigerians will be watching closely to determine whether the recent gains mark the beginning of a lasting turnaround in a sector long considered one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
