Tegbe Dismisses Reports of 3-Month Grid Fix, Promises Visible Improvement in Power Sector

The Minister-designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has denied reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s power grid within three months.

In a statement issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Adeola Adelabu, Tegbe described the reports as a distortion of comments he made during his Senate screening on May 6, 2026.

According to the statement shared on X, the minister-designate never made a commitment to repair the national grid within a three-month period.

“Our attention has been drawn to inaccurate media reports alleging that the Honourable Minister-designate, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, promised to fix Nigeria’s power grid within three months.

“This claim is a clear misrepresentation of his remarks. At his Senate screening on May 6, 2026, Mr Tegbe made no such commitment,” the statement said.

The statement clarified that Tegbe only informed lawmakers that timelines for reforms in the power sector were still being determined and would depend on consultations and technical assessments.

It explained that while immediate efforts to stabilise the national grid would begin within his first 100 days in office, broader reforms in the electricity sector could take up to one year to implement.

According to the aide, the reforms would focus on restoring credibility in the sector, tackling gas supply issues and expanding electricity metering nationwide.

“My promise to this chamber is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector,” Tegbe was quoted as saying during the screening.

He also pledged to improve grid stability, modernise electricity infrastructure, strengthen commercial operations and ensure accountability across the power value chain.

On electricity tariffs, Tegbe reportedly assured senators that planned reforms would protect vulnerable consumers while maintaining sustainability and investor confidence in the industry.

The statement further noted that the minister-designate remained committed to transparency, measurable progress and constructive engagement with the media in addressing the country’s electricity challenges.

President Bola Tinubu recently nominated Tegbe as Minister of Power following the exit of Adebayo Adelabu during the cabinet reshuffle announced by the Presidency.

Tegbe, an engineer and public policy expert, appeared before the Senate where he outlined plans to address grid instability, metering gaps and infrastructure deficits in Nigeria’s power sector.