“I Never Promised to Fix the National Grid in Three Months” — New Power Minister,Tegbe

Joseph Tegbe, Nigeria’s minister of power, has denied reports claiming he promised to fix the country’s national grid within three months of taking office.

In a statement issued Thursday, his spokesperson, Adeola Adelabu, described the reports as “inaccurate and misleading”, insisting that Tegbe made no such commitment during his Senate screening on May 6, 2026.

“Tegbe clearly explained that timelines for reforms in the power sector were still being developed and would depend on technical diagnostics and consultations with key stakeholders,” the statement said.

The clarification follows reports suggesting the minister pledged to completely resolve Nigeria’s recurring grid failures within three months.

According to the statement, Tegbe said efforts to stabilise the national grid would begin within his first 100 days in office, while broader structural reforms would require more time to implement.

The statement added that reforms involving 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 sector and enforce accountability across the value chain”.

On electricity tariff reforms, the minister reportedly assured lawmakers that vulnerable consumers would be protected while government pursues a balance between affordability, sector sustainability, investor confidence and operational efficiency.

The statement further urged journalists to seek clarification when necessary to avoid misinformation.

“Tegbe remains open to constructive engagement with the media,” Adelabu said.