Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has refuted reports claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s electricity grid within three months, saying the statement was wrongly attributed to him.
In a clarification released on Thursday via X by his spokesperson Adeola Adelabu, Tegbe said the viral reports distorted what he actually said during his Senate screening.
“Our attention has been drawn to inaccurate media reports alleging that the Honourable Minister-designate, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, promised to fix Nigeria’s power grid within three months. This claim is a clear misrepresentation of his remarks,” the statement read.
The ministry explained that during his appearance before the Senate on May 6, Tegbe made it clear that timelines for power sector reforms were still being worked on and would depend on technical assessments as well as consultations with key stakeholders.
He noted that initial steps to stabilise the national grid are expected to begin within his first 100 days in office, while wider reforms involving gas supply, metering, infrastructure and operations could take up to one year.
“My promise to this chamber and to Nigeria is that Nigerians will see visible improvement in the sector,” Tegbe was quoted as saying.
He also outlined plans to strengthen the power sector by improving grid stability, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing commercial systems, and boosting accountability.
On electricity tariffs, he reportedly assured lawmakers that reforms would aim to protect vulnerable citizens while maintaining a balance between affordability, sustainability, and investor confidence.
The statement further added that Tegbe is open to media engagement and urged journalists to verify information before publication.
