Tegbe Projects Stable Electricity Supply Within Three To Five Years

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will achieve stable electricity supply within the next three to five years, following plans to expand the country’s transmission capacity.

Tegbe also said the recent power supply disruptions across parts of the country had eased after the completion of maintenance work at Egbin Power Station.

He spoke on TVC on Monday, days after blaming electricity outages in four states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, on maintenance activities, gas supply constraints and alleged sabotage of transmission lines.

The minister said the government had resolved the immediate challenges and was working to sustain stability across the national grid.

“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.

Tegbe specifically confirmed improvements in electricity supply across several parts of Lagos, including Ajah, Lekki, Ikoyi, Magodo and Ikeja.

He said he 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.

While acknowledging the difficulties Nigerians face, Tegbe appealed for patience, saying the government remained committed to improving electricity supply.

He explained that achieving consistent power supply would require substantial investment in infrastructure and additional generation and transmission capacity.

According to him, the country must prepare its electricity infrastructure for rising demand, particularly from businesses, technology companies and young people working remotely.

“Everybody’s building capacity for AI, for data. Most young people work from home, and because of that, there’s a need for bandwidth and for electricity supply,” he said.

The minister also announced plans for a $2 billion east-west super grid project aimed at increasing Nigeria’s electricity transmission capacity from about 4,000 megawatts to 19,000 megawatts.

The proposed project will connect Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, Epe and Ilorin, creating a stronger transmission network across the country.

Tegbe disclosed that procurement for the project had commenced, while the government expects to complete it within two years.

He, however, cautioned that infrastructure development takes time and that resolving existing electricity challenges alone would not immediately meet the country’s growing energy needs.

The minister maintained that the three-to-five-year timeline remained realistic for achieving more reliable electricity supply.

“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.