Tegbe pledges to stop national grid collapse In first 100 days
Power minister-designate Joseph Tegbe has promised to stabilise Nigeria’s national grid within his first 100 days in office if confirmed by the Senate.
He made the pledge on Wednesday during his screening before the Senate, saying the initial phase of his plan would focus on ending recurring grid collapses before rolling out mass metering to curb estimated billing.
“The first phase in the 100 days is to stabilise that grid. There are questions around grid collapse and the need to roll out metering,” he said. He cited last year’s distribution of one million meters as an example of progress.
He would enforce stricter discipline in the sector and push for reforms to improve efficiency and reduce leakages.
“We need to enforce a strict code against indiscipline and ensure accountability across the system. We also need to improve our grid reserve. Other countries have done it, we just need the discipline to do it,” he said.
Acknowledging the sector’s N6 trillion debt burden, he blamed the development on power generation companies, GenCos, struggling to pay for gas due to market shortfalls.
“Government has done well by settling N3.3 trillion through bonds, but the movement in the industry is still under pressure,” he said.
Tegbe implored the lawmakers to hold him accountable, pledging to present a clear work plan with milestones within three months of taking office.
“If you don’t see these in three months, it means you won’t see it in six months. So you must hold us accountable,” he said.
Speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned Tegbe about entrenched interests in the sector, including a “cabal” in the generator import business that he said does not want stable power in Nigeria.
Tegbe was confirmed by a voice vote after responding to questions.
