The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that the recent electricity supply disruptions experienced in parts of the country have been resolved, promising sustained improvements in power generation and grid stability.
Tegbe said the Federal Government was taking steps to address persistent challenges in the electricity sector, adding that the immediate priority was to optimise existing infrastructure and ensure a more reliable supply of electricity.
The minister gave the assurance on Monday during an interview on TVC, following days of power outages in several states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.
On November 7, Tegbe attributed the disruptions to scheduled maintenance at the Egbin Power Station, gas supply constraints affecting some thermal power plants and alleged sabotage of transmission lines.
According to him, the combination of these factors had reduced electricity generation and affected the volume of power available on the national grid.
However, speaking on Monday, the minister said the maintenance work had been completed and the immediate challenges addressed.
“Number one, we’ve sorted out this little challenge we had in the last few days. It was painful for most of you. But look, we fixed it. And we will ensure that that stability remains. My focus is to ensure grid stability,” he said.
Providing an update on electricity supply in Lagos, Tegbe said power had been restored to several areas, including Ajah, Lekki, Ikoyi, Magodo and Ikeja, as of Sunday night.
He said he had personally contacted officials to verify the situation and received feedback from residents confirming the restoration of electricity.
“I’m sure in Lagos, I confirm as at last night because I made personal calls, Ajah, Lekki, Ikoyi, Magodo, Ikeja, lights are back,” he said.
The minister appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, acknowledging the difficulties associated with unreliable electricity supply.
He also expressed optimism that the country would achieve more stable power supply within the next three to five years, arguing that significant investment in infrastructure and increased capacity would be required to meet growing demand.
“Honestly speaking, you already see some visible improvement despite the challenge we have had. By the time we fix the grid… I’ll look at the horizon of about three to five years from now,” Tegbe said.
He noted that the expansion of electricity infrastructure required time, particularly as demand continued to rise due to increased digital activities, artificial intelligence and the growing number of Nigerians working remotely.
According to him, the demand for electricity would continue to increase alongside the country's technological and economic development, making investment in generation and transmission infrastructure imperative.
FG plans $2bn east-west super grid
In a related development, Tegbe disclosed that the Federal Government was planning a $2bn investment in an east-west super grid designed to strengthen the country's transmission network and raise its capacity to 19,000 megawatts.
He explained that the proposed infrastructure would complement existing transmission facilities rather than replace them, providing additional capacity and improving the resilience of the national grid.
The project, he said, would traverse several parts of the country, linking Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, Epe and Ilorin.
Tegbe disclosed that procurement processes had commenced and expressed the expectation that the project could be completed within two years.
He said the initiative was expected to expand the grid's capacity from about 4,000 megawatts to 19,000 megawatts, while creating opportunities for greater private sector participation in electricity transmission.
The minister projected that private investors would begin playing a more significant role in the transmission segment within the next two to three years.
He maintained that the proposed investment, alongside efforts to address existing infrastructure deficiencies, would put the country on a stronger footing to meet its growing electricity needs.
“So give me a time horizon of three to five years. Nigeria will enjoy stable life. And as demand improves, it will get better,” he said.
Tegbe reiterated that the government's immediate focus was to maximise the performance of existing electricity infrastructure while pursuing longer-term investments to strengthen the national grid.
He acknowledged the impact of persistent power disruptions on households and businesses but urged Nigerians to remain patient as the government worked towards achieving reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
Leave a Reply