Power minister says some Nigerians asked him to ‘slow down’ as electricity supply improves

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe says some electricity consumers have asked him to “slow down” following improvements in power supply in parts of the country.

Tegbe made the remarks in Abuja during the commissioning of a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.

According to the minister, some communities that previously experienced prolonged outages are now receiving significantly longer hours of electricity.

He said some residents jokingly complained that their freezers were now operating continuously because of the improved supply.

Tegbe said he had promised during his Senate screening that Nigerians would begin to notice improvements in electricity supply within three to six months.

However, the minister acknowledged that Nigeria’s electricity sector continues to face major infrastructure challenges.

He said some power infrastructure in the country is more than 40 years old and needs to be systematically replaced.

Tegbe also raised concerns about vandalism of electricity infrastructure, citing the destruction of transmission towers in Birnin Kebbi.

The Federal Government, he said, has established a joint working arrangement involving security and anti-corruption agencies to improve protection of electricity assets.

The newly commissioned university project combines solar generation, battery storage and other infrastructure designed to support lecture halls, laboratories, ICT facilities, administrative buildings and campus lighting.