NIGERIANS MAY WAIT 3–5 YEARS FOR STABLE ELECTRICITY – POWER MINISTER
Read Time:2 Minute, 9 Second
By: Hammad Fasasi
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has apologised to Nigerians over the persistent electricity crisis, admitting that households and businesses may have to wait another three to five years before enjoying a stable power supply.
Tegbe acknowledged the frustration of millions of Nigerians struggling with unreliable electricity, assuring them that the Federal Government was committed to addressing the structural challenges affecting the power sector.
Speaking on TVC Breakfast on Monday, the minister recognised the difficulties caused by frequent power outages, particularly for young people working remotely, businesses and households that rely on electricity for their daily activities.
He said, “What I have to say is that I feel your pain. And I’ll honestly tell you I’m totally committed to fixing these electricity assets, working with Mr President. Mr President is 100 per cent committed to fixing this.”
Asked when Nigerians should expect a stable electricity supply, Tegbe said the country needed time to increase power generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure and attract more private-sector investment.
“Three to five years from now, Nigerians will start to experience [stability],” he said, noting that infrastructure development and capacity expansion required time.
The minister identified the proposed East-West Super Grid, investments in electricity infrastructure and greater private-sector participation in power distribution and transmission as key components of the government’s strategy.
According to him, the proposed Super Grid is expected to cost about $2 billion and have the capacity to accommodate at least 19,000 megawatts of electricity.
Tegbe added that the government was working to improve the performance of existing power facilities and address challenges across the electricity value chain.
He disclosed that Nigeria currently has an installed electricity generation capacity of approximately 13,625 megawatts but produces only about 5,000 megawatts due to operational and infrastructure limitations.
The minister’s comments come amid widespread complaints over the unreliable electricity supply, with recent disruptions affecting households and businesses across parts of the country.
Speaking on the recent power outages, Tegbe maintained that they were not caused by a national grid collapse but by reduced electricity supply following scheduled maintenance at Egbin Power Station and the vandalisation of the Benin-Egbin 330kV transmission line.
He said the damaged transmission line had been restored, while the government was also working to repair the Oshogbo-Ikeja West transmission line, which had remained out of service for about 18 months following the vandalisation of six transmission towers.
Tegbe appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, insisting that the government was determined to improve electricity supply and achieve lasting stability in the power sector.
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