Tegbe Promises Power Sector Overhaul, Says Nigerians Must See Results Quickly

Ministerial nominee Joseph Tegbe has vowed to pursue major reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, promising a results-driven approach focused on execution, transparency, and improved electricity distribution.

Speaking during his screening before the Senate Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, Tegbe said the country could no longer afford to continue with ineffective strategies that have failed to deliver stable power over the years.

“We will not do things the way we used to do before. I will not promise what I cannot deliver,” he told lawmakers.

Tegbe, who was appointed in 2025 by President Bola Tinubu as Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, described electricity as critical to national growth and public confidence.

According to him, decades of reforms in the sector have not produced the expected outcomes, stressing that his focus would be on measurable improvements rather than empty promises.

The nominee identified key priorities to include closing the country’s metering gap, improving electricity distribution, enhancing transparency, and encouraging greater participation by state governments in power generation.

He also proposed the introduction of a transparent public performance dashboard that would allow Nigerians to monitor developments within the sector.

“We must close the metering gap and ensure Nigerians can track performance through a transparent public dashboard. The sector must be properly structured, and the people deserve to see real improvement,” he said.

Tegbe further stated that sub-national governments would be empowered to generate electricity independently in order to reduce pressure on the national grid.

According to him, reforms would be implemented with clear timelines and measurable milestones.

“If results are not visible in three months, they won’t be in six,” he added.

During the session, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, raised concerns over recurring national grid collapses, noting that the system struggles whenever electricity supply exceeds 5,000 megawatts.

Abaribe also warned the nominee about vested interests within the sector, urging him to ensure electricity distribution companies comply with contractual obligations.

Former Minister of State for Power and Steel, Danjuma Goje, lamented the lack of progress despite huge investments in the sector since 1999. He advised Tegbe to seek long-term technical support from China to help modernise Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.

On security concerns, Senator Tahir Monguno questioned how the nominee intended to address vandalism of power facilities across the country.

In response, Tegbe identified poor gas supply and weak grid discipline as some of the sector’s major challenges, while advocating for stricter enforcement, grid stability measures, and market-based electricity tariffs.

“We understand the issues. What is needed now is honest engagement and firm execution. We will tell Nigerians the truth,” he said.