Three Months Was Too Close, I Never Promised To Fix Power Grid In Three Months -Tegbe

Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, the minister-designate for power, has refuted claims that he pledged to repair Nigeria’s electrical grid in three months.

According to Tegbe’s spokesperson, Adeola Adelabu, the reports misrepresented statements he made on May 6, 2026, during his Senate screening.

Adelabu said in a statement published on X on Thursday that the minister-designate only mentioned that timelines for power sector reforms were still being developed and were contingent upon stakeholder consultations and diagnostics.

“Inaccurate media reports claiming that Honorable Minister-designate Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe promised to repair Nigeria’s power grid within three months have caught our attention.

This assertion blatantly distorts what he said. Mr. Tegbe made no such pledge during his Senate screening on May 6, 2026, according to the statement.

According to the statement, Tegbe promised senators that while more extensive structural reforms might take up to a year, initial efforts to stabilize the national grid would start within his first 100 days in office.

The assistant clarified that the suggested changes would concentrate on enhancing sector credibility, resolving issues with gas supply, and extending electricity metering nationwide.

During the screening, Tegbe was quoted as saying, “I promise this chamber that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector.”

In addition, he promised to improve commercial frameworks, modernize electricity infrastructure, stabilize the country’s grid, and enforce accountability throughout the power value chain.

According to reports, the minister-designate promised lawmakers that changes to electricity rates would safeguard vulnerable consumers while maintaining sustainability and investor confidence in the industry.

The statement further stated that Tegbe was dedicated to openness and quantifiable progress in resolving the nation’s power issues and that he remained receptive to positive interactions with the media.

After Adebayo Adelabu left the ministry during the presidential cabinet reorganization, Tinubu recently nominated Tegbe as minister of power.

Engineer and public policy specialist Tegbe presented plans to address issues in the electricity industry, such as grid instability, metering gaps, and deficiencies in power infrastructure, during his screening appearance before the Senate.