Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that the frequent collapse of the national grid, unstable electricity supply and widespread vandalism of power infrastructure will soon be addressed through urgent reforms in the sector.
Tegbe gave the assurance on Wednesday during his screening at the Senate plenary in Abuja, where he was later confirmed as Minister of Power after facing questions from lawmakers on the country’s struggling electricity sector.
The screening session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, focused heavily on the recurring failures in power supply, weak transmission systems and the growing financial crisis affecting the industry.
Lawmakers told the minister that Nigerians were tired of repeated promises and demanded clear timelines and visible improvements in the sector within a short period.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno described the appointment as coming at a critical time, stressing that the continued collapse of the national grid was damaging Nigeria’s economy and slowing industrial growth.
“Grid collapse has become a recurring decimal, undermining development. Transmission has failed to match generation capacity,” Monguno said.
Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers, Tegbe admitted that the challenges in the power sector were deeply rooted and linked to poor coordination, weak technical enforcement and inadequate gas supply to power plants.
“Grid collapse is not accidental; it reflects deeper structural problems,” he said.
The minister pledged to launch a 100-day reform plan aimed at stabilising the national grid and improving electricity supply across the country.
According to him, the ministry will also introduce a public performance dashboard that will allow Nigerians monitor progress and hold the government accountable.
“If there are no results in three months, there will be none in six. Nigerians should hold us accountable,” Tegbe stated.
He also alleged that some individuals benefit from the failures within the power sector and vowed to confront sabotage and corruption affecting electricity operations.
“There are elements that do not want the system to work because they benefit from its failure. We will take them on,” he said.
On the issue of vandalism, Tegbe described attacks on power infrastructure as a serious national security threat and promised stronger collaboration with security agencies, including the military and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to protect critical facilities.
The minister also addressed concerns over the sector’s estimated N6 trillion liquidity crisis, which lawmakers said had discouraged investment and weakened operations across the electricity value chain.
Tegbe admitted that the current financial structure of the sector was no longer sustainable and promised reforms that would balance cost-reflective tariffs with affordability for ordinary Nigerians.
“Electricity pricing must reflect market realities, but affordability remains essential. We will ensure a fair balance,” he said.
Lawmakers, including Senator Tokunbo Abiru, demanded clear timelines for stable electricity supply, noting that reliable power remains essential for economic growth, businesses and job creation.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also criticised the structure of the power sector, arguing that the separation of generation, transmission and distribution companies had created inefficiencies and weakened coordination.
In response, Tegbe assured the Senate that his reform agenda would focus on improving collaboration across the sector, increasing gas supply to generation companies and expanding nationwide metering to reduce estimated billing.
He further disclosed that the government plans to expand renewable energy projects and mini-grid systems, especially in rural communities without access to stable electricity.
“Decentralised energy will be key to reaching underserved communities and ensuring inclusive access,” he said.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin stressed that stable electricity remains one of the country’s biggest economic priorities.
“Our industries cannot thrive without reliable electricity. What we need now are results, not assurances,” he said.
Despite the tough questioning, lawmakers expressed cautious optimism about Tegbe’s plans, citing his professional background and reform proposals.
In his closing remarks, the minister said meaningful progress in the power sector would require transparency, discipline and collaboration.
“This is a difficult assignment, but progress is achievable with transparency, discipline and collaboration. Nigerians will see change,” he said.
