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New Power Minister Tegbe Vows to Fix National Grid in Three Months

Nigeria’s incoming Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has promised to tackle the country’s national grid problem within three months of taking office.

Tegbe made the pledge during his Senate confirmation hearing on May 6, 2026. Senators questioned him on Nigeria’s poor electricity supply, frequent grid collapses and years of failed reforms in the power sector.

His promise comes at a difficult time. Nigeria’s power supply has remained unstable despite huge public spending across several governments. Many homes and businesses still depend on generators to survive daily blackouts.

Tegbe Makes a Bold Promise on the National Grid

Tegbe told lawmakers that he would fix grid collapses within his first three months in office.

The statement quickly drew public attention because Nigeria’s grid has become one of the biggest symbols of failure in the power sector.

For many Nigerians, the promise sounds ambitious. The country has struggled for years with weak transmission lines, gas shortages, debts to power companies and poor coordination across the electricity value chain.

Tegbe said he would use his experience in energy, finance and investment to drive reforms in the sector. He also promised to clean up the system and deliver results.

Who Is Joseph Tegbe?

Joseph Tegbe is 60 years old.

President Bola Tinubu nominated him to replace former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

Tegbe studied Civil Engineering at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He graduated with a first-class degree in 1988.

Before his nomination, he served as Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

He also spent over two decades at KPMG, where he held senior leadership roles. His background covers finance, energy, investment and advisory work.

Tegbe has also studied at Lagos Business School, INSEAD, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School.

Senators Warn Tegbe About Resistance

During the screening, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe warned Tegbe about possible resistance from people who profit from Nigeria’s poor power supply.

Abaribe referred to what many Nigerians call the “generator cabal.” He said those who benefit from the generator market could resist any serious attempt to fix the power sector.

The warning reflected a long-running public belief that some interests profit from Nigeria’s electricity crisis.

Still, the bigger issue goes beyond speculation about vested interests. Nigeria’s power sector faces structural problems that require urgent action.

Nigeria’s Power Crisis Remains Deep

Tegbe will enter office at a time when power generation has remained weak.

In 2026, generation capacity has often stayed below 3,000 megawatts. That is far below what Africa’s largest economy needs.

Several thermal power plants have also operated below capacity. Some have slowed down or shut down due to gas shortages.

Power operators have blamed part of the crisis on unpaid debts. The Federal Government has also reviewed its debt to generating companies and placed it at about ₦3 trillion.

President Tinubu has already approved a payment process for that debt.

Why the Three-Month Deadline Matters

Tegbe’s three-month promise gives Nigerians a clear timeline.

That makes it easier for citizens, businesses and lawmakers to judge his performance.

If he reduces grid collapses, improves generation and strengthens transmission, he could bring early confidence to the sector.

But if the problems continue, the promise could return as a major political burden for the Tinubu administration.

The timing also matters because Nigeria is moving toward the 2027 general election. Power supply remains one of the issues voters will use to judge the government.