By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Senate Confirms Tegbe Amid Power Sector Crisis
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power in Abuja after a rigorous screening session led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During the plenary, lawmakers questioned Tegbe on how, when, and why he plans to tackle persistent grid collapses, poor electricity supply, vandalism, and the worsening liquidity crisis in Nigeria’s power sector.
Tegbe Unveils 100-Day Power Reform Plan
Tegbe assured Nigerians that urgent reforms would stabilise the national grid and improve electricity supply nationwide. He described repeated grid collapses as symptoms of deeper structural failures.
“Grid collapse is not accidental; it reflects deeper structural problems,” he said.
He also announced a 100-day reform agenda aimed at improving grid stability and restoring public confidence. According to him, the ministry will launch a public performance dashboard to help Nigerians track progress.
“If there are no results in three months, there will be none in six. Nigerians should hold us accountable,” Tegbe stated.
Senate Demands Quick Results
Lawmakers insisted that Nigerians expect visible improvements within months. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno said the sector’s poor performance threatens Nigeria’s economic growth.
He blamed weak transmission infrastructure and insecurity for worsening electricity challenges, especially in the North-east.
“Grid collapse has become a recurring decimal, undermining development. Transmission has failed to match generation capacity,” Monguno said.
Similarly, Senator Tokunbo Abiru demanded clear timelines for achieving stable power supply.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin stressed that reliable electricity remains essential for industrial growth and economic competitiveness.
“Our industries cannot thrive without reliable electricity. What we need now are results, not assurances,” he said.
Tegbe Targets Sector Coordination and Metering
Responding to lawmakers, Tegbe admitted that the sector suffers from poor coordination, inadequate gas supply, and weak technical enforcement.
He promised stronger collaboration among generation, transmission, and distribution companies. In addition, he pledged to accelerate nationwide metering to reduce estimated billing and improve revenue collection.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu criticised the fragmentation of the electricity sector. He argued that poor synergy among operators has deepened inefficiency.
However, Tegbe assured lawmakers that his reform strategy would strengthen cooperation across the electricity value chain.
Minister Vows to Tackle Vandalism and Sabotage
Tegbe also described vandalism of power infrastructure as a national security threat. Therefore, he promised closer collaboration with security agencies, including the military and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Furthermore, he warned that some individuals benefit from the sector’s failures and would resist reforms.
“There are elements that do not want the system to work because they benefit from its failure. We will take them on,” he declared.
Government Plans Tariff Reforms and Rural Electrification
The minister acknowledged the sector’s liquidity crisis, estimated at about N6 trillion. He said the current financial structure is unsustainable and requires urgent reforms.
Consequently, Tegbe proposed market-reflective electricity tariffs while protecting vulnerable Nigerians from excessive costs.
“Electricity pricing must reflect market realities, but affordability remains essential. We will ensure a fair balance,” he explained.
He also promised to expand rural electrification through mini-grids and renewable energy projects, especially solar power systems for underserved communities.
“Decentralised energy will be key to reaching underserved communities and ensuring inclusive access,” Tegbe added.
Senate Expresses Confidence in Tegbe
Despite intense questioning, lawmakers expressed cautious confidence in Tegbe’s ability to reform the power sector. Many senators cited his professional background and reform proposals as positive signs.
In his closing remarks, Tegbe admitted that the assignment would be difficult. Nevertheless, he promised transparent leadership and measurable progress.
“This is a difficult assignment, but progress is achievable with transparency, discipline and collaboration. Nigerians will see change,” he said.
The Senate’s unanimous confirmation now places pressure on the new minister to deliver lasting solutions to Nigeria’s electricity crisis.
