Nigeria’s Senate has confirmed Joseph Tegbe as minister of power following his screening on the Senate floor, where he pledged reforms to address the country’s longstanding electricity challenges.
During the screening, Tegbe acknowledged that fixing the power sector would involve “some pain” but said the government would adopt a disciplined and transparent approach with measurable targets.
He promised to present a reform plan with clear milestones within weeks, saying Nigerians should hold officials accountable if progress is not visible within three months.
Tegbe identified metering, power distribution and accountability as key priorities, while warning that financial leakages and inefficiencies continue to weaken the sector.
He said Nigeria’s electricity industry is burdened by liquidity problems, including an estimated 6 trillion naira debt, which has affected the ability of generation companies to pay for gas supply.
The minister also defended ongoing government interventions in the sector, noting that more than 3 trillion naira has been committed through bonds and other support measures to stabilise the national grid.
According to him, improving grid stability remains critical, alongside expanding access to electricity meters nationwide.
Tegbe said about one million electricity meters were distributed across the country last year, describing it as an unprecedented step toward reducing estimated billing and improving transparency in the sector.
