‘We Fixed It’ — Power Minister Says Electricity Restored, Assures Nigerians of Stable Supply in 3 to 5 Years

• The Power Minister says electricity has been restored to affected areas and projects more stable supply within three to five years, outlining a $2bn grid plan.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has said the immediate challenges behind recent electricity outages have been resolved, while projecting that Nigeria could achieve more stable supply within the next three to five years.

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Tegbe said maintenance at Egbin Power Station had been completed and interventions had helped restore electricity to several affected locations.

“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.

His remarks followed supply disruptions in parts of the country, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.

On November 7, the minister had attributed the outages to scheduled maintenance at Egbin, inadequate gas supply to some thermal power plants and alleged sabotage of transmission lines. He said the combination had reduced the electricity available on the national grid.

Minister lists Lagos areas where supply has returned

Tegbe said he personally contacted residents to confirm that electricity had returned to several parts of Lagos by Sunday night.

“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.

“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.”

He said the government’s immediate priority was to optimise existing infrastructure, improve supply and reduce disruptions while pursuing longer-term investments.

Stable supply projected within three to five years

Beyond the immediate restoration, Tegbe said sustained improvements would depend on expanding electricity generation and transmission capacity.

“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.

He explained that infrastructure expansion required time and needed to keep pace with demand from businesses, data services, artificial intelligence applications and people working from home.

“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,” he said.

FG plans $2bn super grid

The minister also disclosed plans for a $2 billion east-west super grid intended to strengthen the transmission network and increase its capacity.

According to Tegbe, the proposed infrastructure would complement existing facilities and improve the national grid’s resilience.

He said the project would link Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, Epe and Ilorin.

The procurement process had commenced, he said, with completion expected within two years.

Tegbe projected that the initiative would increase the grid’s transmission capacity from about 4,000 megawatts to 19,000 megawatts.

Greater private sector participation planned

The minister said the government was also working towards increased private sector participation in electricity transmission within the next two to three years.

He maintained that investment in infrastructure and capacity would be central to meeting growing demand and delivering more reliable electricity.

“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 appealed for patience, acknowledging the difficulties that unreliable electricity supply had caused households and businesses.