Development partners ready to fund power sector, says Tegbe

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

ABUJA — Newly sworn-in Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has disclosed that international development organisations and funding agencies are prepared to provide liquidity support to Nigeria’s power sector, reflecting growing confidence in the Federal Government’s ongoing electricity reforms.

Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Tegbe said the positive signal followed extensive engagements with development partners and key stakeholders across the electricity value chain since his confirmation by the Senate.

According to him, discussions with international development organisations and funding agencies have been productive, with many expressing willingness to support efforts aimed at addressing the sector’s liquidity challenges.

“We have also held productive discussions with international development organisations and funding agencies/partners, who have expressed willingness to provide liquidity support to the sector; a significant vote of confidence in the direction of our reforms,” he said.

The minister noted that his team had already developed a structured reform strategy focused on implementation, measurable outcomes and public accountability.

He said consultations had been held with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company and the FGN Power Company.

Highlighting early signs of progress, Tegbe cited the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained shut down for three years.

According to him, the plant has been restored by NDPHC and now has up to 375 megawatts available for dispatch to the national grid.

He also pointed to recent improvements in transmission infrastructure, including the energisation of new TCN assets in Katampe, Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, which he said have strengthened grid capacity in several parts of the country.

The minister further commended the swift intervention of TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer in Abuja, noting that electricity supply was fully restored within 24 hours.

On consumer protection, Tegbe referenced NERC’s recent directive requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls, describing the action as evidence of the regulator’s commitment to accountability and improved service delivery.

He praised staff of the Ministry of Power, its agencies and private sector operators for their cooperation and dedication, saying their support had contributed to the gains recorded in the past month.

While acknowledging the longstanding challenges confronting the electricity sector, Tegbe urged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that problems that had accumulated over decades would take time to resolve.

“I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvement, as you have been seeing, and I will continue to communicate honestly with you every step of the way,” he said.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses and industries nationwide, adding that the sector remains on the path of reform under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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