The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday screened the Minister of Power designate, Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, with discussions centred on his reform agenda and plans to address longstanding challenges in the power sector.
During the session, Senators acknowledged his experience across public sector reform and infrastructure, noting that his cross-sector background positions him to support ongoing efforts to stabilize the sector.
In his address, Tegbe stressed the importance of electricity to national development, stating: “Electricity is not just a sector. It is the foundation of productivity, dignity, and national confidence.” He acknowledged persistent challenges across the power value chain, noting that while there is no “quick fix,” there is a “disciplined path to solving it,” anchored on execution discipline and measurable progress.
Tegbe outlined key priority areas, including improving gas supply to boost generation, strengthening grid reliability, enforcing accountability in distribution, accelerating metering, and restoring financial discipline.
“We will replace uncertainty with clarity, inefficiency with discipline, and promises with measurable progress,” he said.
On timelines, Tegbe pledged to begin immediate diagnostics of the issues and robust stakeholder engagement before arriving on a timeline for steady power supply but indicated that some improvements could be achieved within three months. He added that broader reforms, such as restoring sector credibility, improving gas supply, and accelerating metering, are expected to materialise within the first year.
He also pledged to work closely with the National Assembly and other stakeholders, noting that sustained progress would require coordinated national effort.
Reinforcing his commitment to delivery, Tegbe assured Nigerians of visible improvements in no distant time, adding: “I will be accountable for progress, responsible in communication, and disciplined in execution.”
The screening concluded with the nomination proceeding to the next stage of confirmation.