Tegbe denies promising to fix national grid in three months

Joseph Tegbe, the minister of power, has dismissed reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s troubled national grid within three months.

In a statement issued on Thursday, his spokesperson, Adeola Adelabu, described the reports as inaccurate and misleading.

Tegbe clarified that he made no such pledge during his senate screening on May 6, 2026.

According to the statement, the minister explained that timelines for reforms in the power sector are still being developed and would depend on technical assessments and consultations with stakeholders.

The clarification followed media reports alleging that Tegbe had vowed to completely resolve the country’s persistent grid failures within three months of taking office.

The statement noted that while efforts to stabilise the national grid would commence within his first 100 days in office, broader structural reforms in the sector would require more time.

It added that reforms targeting sector credibility, gas supply, metering and operational efficiency could take up to one year before meaningful progress is achieved.

“My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector,” Tegbe was quoted as saying during the screening.

He also pledged to stabilise the national grid, modernise electricity infrastructure, strengthen commercial frameworks in the power sector and enforce accountability across the electricity value chain.

On electricity tariff reforms, Tegbe reportedly assured lawmakers that vulnerable households would be protected while the government balances affordability, investor confidence, sector sustainability and operational efficiency.

The statement further said the minister remains open to constructive engagement with the media and urged journalists to seek clarification when necessary to avoid misinformation.