The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday screened Minister of Power designate, Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, as he unveiled an ambitious reform agenda aimed at addressing Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges and restoring confidence in the power sector.
During the screening session, lawmakers highlighted Tegbe’s extensive experience in public sector reform and infrastructure development, noting that his diverse cross-sector background could strengthen ongoing efforts to stabilize the nation’s power industry.
Presenting his vision before the Senate, Tegbe described electricity as critical to national growth and economic transformation.
“Electricity is not just a sector. It is the foundation of productivity, dignity, and national confidence,” he stated.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted problems affecting the power value chain, stressing that while there may be no immediate solution, steady progress can be achieved through discipline, accountability, and effective execution.
According to him, his priority areas would include improving gas supply to increase power generation, strengthening grid reliability, enforcing accountability within distribution companies, accelerating metering nationwide, and restoring financial discipline across the sector.
“We will replace uncertainty with clarity, inefficiency with discipline, and promises with measurable progress,” Tegbe assured lawmakers.
Speaking on expected timelines, the minister-designate said immediate diagnostics and stakeholder consultations would commence upon assumption of office, adding that Nigerians could begin to see noticeable improvements within three months.
He further disclosed that broader reforms — including restoring credibility in the sector, improving gas supply, and fast-tracking metering — are expected to yield significant results within the first year.
Tegbe also pledged to maintain close collaboration with the National Assembly and other stakeholders, emphasizing that sustainable progress in the power sector would require collective national commitment.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and performance, he assured Nigerians that his administration would focus on delivery and accountability.
“I will be accountable for progress, responsible in communication, and disciplined in execution,” he said.
The screening process concluded with his nomination advancing to the next stage of Senate confirmation.