Power Sector Reform Has No Quick Fix, Will Be Run with Transparency and Discipline – Power Minister Tegbe

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The Ministerial-Designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has said Nigeria’s electricity challenges will not be resolved through quick fixes, but through structured reforms anchored on transparency, discipline, and measurable progress.

Tegbe made this known during his Senate screening on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, where he acknowledged the deep-rooted problems affecting the power sector, including persistent national grid collapses and widespread supply instability.

According to him, while the sector faces longstanding challenges across generation, transmission, and distribution, the solution lies in “a disciplined path” rather than unrealistic timelines.

“We will not do things the way we used to do before. I will not promise what I cannot deliver. We must close the metering gap and ensure Nigerians can track performance through a transparent public dashboard,” he said.

He explained that his approach would be guided by clear milestones and accountability mechanisms aimed at restoring public confidence in the sector.

“We understand the issues. What is needed now is honest engagement and firm execution. We will tell Nigerians the truth. We must reduce system disturbances, strengthen transmission, ensure tariffs reflect services, and close the trust gap between operators and citizens,” he added.

Tegbe further stated that key reforms such as improving gas supply to power plants, expanding metering coverage, and restoring sector credibility are expected to begin yielding visible results within the first year of implementation.

He also dismissed reports suggesting he promised to fix the power sector within 100 days, clarifying that his position is rooted in a longer-term, structured reform agenda aligned with the Renewed Hope framework, with emphasis on transparency and sustainability.

Before his nomination, Tegbe served as Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) and Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC).

He brings over 30 years of professional experience, including extensive work at KPMG, beginning his career as a civil engineer before transitioning into finance, tax policy, and governance advisory roles.

Tegbe is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, INSEAD, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCIT), and a Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) professional.

His previous engagements include advisory and reform-related work involving key power sector institutions such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), particularly in regulatory and institutional strengthening efforts.