The camp of Minister-designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has dismissed reports alleging that he promised to resolve Nigeria’s electricity grid crisis within three months, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Adeola A. Adelabu, the minister-designate clarified that his comments during his Senate screening on May 6, 2026, were misrepresented by sections of the media.
According to the statement, Tegbe never gave a definitive timeline for ending the country’s power challenges. Instead, he explained that reform timelines are still being developed through ongoing diagnostics and consultations with critical stakeholders in the power sector.
The clarification followed widespread media reports claiming that the minister-designate had vowed to stabilise Nigeria’s national grid within three months.
Adelabu stated that Tegbe only assured lawmakers that immediate efforts to stabilise the grid would commence within his first 100 days in office, while wider structural reforms across the electricity sector could take about one year before meaningful progress becomes evident.
“At his Senate screening, Mr Tegbe made no such commitment. He stated unequivocally that the timelines are still being worked on and subject to diagnostics and stakeholder engagements,” the statement said.
The statement further explained that the proposed reforms would focus on restoring credibility in the power sector, improving gas supply, expanding metering infrastructure and addressing systemic inefficiencies across the electricity value chain.
During the screening, Tegbe was quoted as saying: “My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector.”
He also pledged to stabilise the national grid, modernise power infrastructure, improve commercial frameworks and enforce accountability throughout the electricity industry.
On electricity tariff reforms, Tegbe assured Nigerians that vulnerable households would be protected while the government pursues policies aimed at improving sustainability, boosting investor confidence and enhancing operational efficiency within the sector.
The statement emphasised the minister-designate’s commitment to transparency, disciplined implementation and measurable progress in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding electricity challenges.
It also reaffirmed his willingness to maintain constructive engagement with the media and provide clarification whenever necessary.
“The Minister-designate remains open to constructive media engagement and welcomes requests for clarification where necessary, recognising the role of the media as partners in nation-building,” the statement added.
Elijah Adeyemi
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