Tegbe says power crisis resolved, yet many homes remain in darkness


Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has said that recent electricity supply challenges in some states have been resolved, even as many Nigerians continue to experience poor or absent power supply. 

He assured citizens that the government is working to sustain stability on the national grid.

Tegbe spoke on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a TVC television programme. He said the recent electricity supply challenges had been resolved, with the planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station completed.

On November 7, the minister blamed the power outages in four states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station, gas supply constraints, and sabotage of transmission lines.

He explained that the maintenance and gas supply challenges had reduced the amount of electricity available on the national grid.
 
Despite the minister’s assurance that the challenges have been addressed, many residents in the affected areas remain without electricity or continue to endure unreliable supply. 

Tegbe maintained that the government is working to keep the grid stable and prevent further disruptions.

“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.

Addressing power outages in the Lagos corridor, the minister said electricity has been restored to several areas as of Sunday night.

“I’m sure in Lagos, I confirm as at last night because I made personal calls, Ajah, Leki, Ikoyi, Magodo, Ikeja, lights are back,” he said.

“And people have attested to it, people have sent me messages. Nigerians, again, I appeal to you, just bear with us, we’ll get there.”

The minister also projected that Nigeria would achieve a stable electricity supply within the next three to five years.

“Honestly speaking, you already see some visible improvement despite the challenge we have had. By the time we fix the grid…okay? I’ll look at the horizon of about three to five years from now,” Tegbe said.

“Infrastructure build out is not done overnight. Even when we fix some of the challenges we have today, we need to build the capacity.

“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.

Furthermore, the minister said the federal government is planning to invest $2 billion in an east-west super grid to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission network and increase its capacity to 19,000 megawatts.

Tegbe, in a report of TheCable, said the proposed grid would complement existing infrastructure rather than replace it, adding that the project would improve the resilience and stability of the national grid.

He said the east-west grid would cut across the country, linking Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, Epe, and Ilorin.

According to the minister, the government has commenced the procurement process for the project, which could be completed within two years.

He said the initiative would help increase the grid’s capacity from about 4,000 megawatts to 19,000 megawatts, noting that the government also expects private sector participation in electricity transmission within the next two to three years.

“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 said the government’s immediate priority is to ensure that existing electricity infrastructure is optimised to improve supply stability.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government, saying he understood the difficulties caused by inadequate electricity supply.
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