I will not promise what I cannot deliver, says new Minister of Power

The newly sworn-in Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, on Monday assured Nigerians of sustained improvements in electricity supply.

Tegbe spoke shortly after his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Monday.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the power sector and pledged to serve with integrity, diligence, and accountability.

“To Nigerians, we seek your understanding. The challenges that have kept this sector below its potential were decades in the making.

“They will not be fully reversed in weeks or months.

“Let me reiterate the commitment I made before the Senate: I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvements, as you have already been seeing.

“I will continue to communicate honestly with you every step of the way. You will see the progress as it happens.

“The destination is clear: reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian home, business, and industry, around the clock.

“That journey is a long one, but under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are firmly heading in the right direction.

“We will keep moving, keep delivering, and the improvements will keep coming,” he said.

The minister said that since the Senate confirmed his appointment, he had hit the ground running.

He said that within the period, a structured power sector reform strategy anchored on execution discipline, clear milestones, and public accountability had been drawn up.

“We have held substantive engagements with all critical sector agencies in the electricity value chain to strengthen collaboration and accelerate reforms in the sector.

“These agencies include the Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

“We have also engaged with the Nigerian Independent System Operator, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, and FGN Power Company, among other stakeholders. They have all been very supportive, aligned, and ready to deliver.

“They have been very supportive, aligned, and ready to deliver.

“We have also held productive discussions with international development organisations and funding agencies/partners, who have expressed willingness to provide liquidity support to the sector—a significant vote of confidence in the direction of our reforms,” he said.

Tegbe said that preliminary results were already visible.

“The 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had been shut down for three years, has been revived by NDPHC, with up to 375MW now available for dispatch to the national grid.”

He also said that TCN had energised new transmission assets at Katampe in Abuja and at substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, thereby strengthening grid capacity across multiple regions.

According to him, when a 100-megavolt-ampere (MVA) transformer failed unexpectedly in Abuja, TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) teams worked through the night and fully restored supply within 24 hours.

He also said that NERC recently directed Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to compensate Band A customers for supply shortfalls recorded earlier this year.

The minister said that the compensation was a firm signal that consumers would be protected and that operators would be held accountable.

Tegbe said that all these developments happened not by accident but because of the renewed commitment of the ministry and its agencies.

“I wish to commend, sincerely and unreservedly, the management and staff of the Ministry of Power and all its agencies for their renewed dedication, professionalism, and cooperative spirit over the past month.

“I equally commend our private-sector partners, who have shown a genuine willingness to work with us toward our common goals.

“I assure all of them that, under this leadership, productivity and excellence will always be acknowledged and rewarded,” he said.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Nigeria will not surrender to fear, Terrorists, Bandits, Kidnappers won't define who we are, Tinubu vows

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that Nigeria will neither succumb to fear nor allow criminal elements to define its identity.

The president made the declaration on Monday in a message of appreciation to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He commended their courage, sacrifice and commitment to safeguarding the country.

Tinubu said terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other violent groups do not represent the values of Nigerians and would not be allowed to undermine the nation’s peace, unity and progress.

He paid tribute to military personnel serving in forests, along highways, in creeks, at forward operating bases and across difficult terrains, noting that their efforts enable millions of Nigerians to go about their daily lives in safety.

“This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm.

“Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured.

“Your country does not take you for granted,” the president said.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of families of security personnel, many of whom endure long periods of separation and uncertainty in support of loved ones serving on the front lines.

The president paid special tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in the defence of the country, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices continue to protect communities and preserve national stability.

“We honour those who have paid the supreme price in defence of our country.

“Their courage lives on in rescued communities, protected families and the survival of the nation they served,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that the fight against terrorism requires the support of all citizens and urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

“The fight against terror is not only a military operation. It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information.

“When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it,” he said.

The president assured Nigerians that the government would remain resolute in confronting security threats across the country.

“Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or violent extremists to define who we are as a people.

“Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed or community,” he said.

Tinubu thanked security personnel for their vigilance and service and offered prayers for their safety as they continue to defend the nation.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Rescue of Former Minister's Sister and Sons: How Optics strengthen Public's suspicion of Authorities' Role - Duke of Shomolu

How the Government thinks this rescue of Adelabus' sister and kids is a positive for them in the midst of the other 40 or so still in captivity beats me.

The optics don't look good and go to strengthen public's suspicion of the authorities' role in all of these

They should spare us the videos of the 'brave' rescue, spare us the robust announcements and should have just issued a terse message announcing the rescue while reserving more energy for the rescue of not only the Ibadan kids but every other Nigerians in captivity.

There is nothing to celebrate here. Come and beat me!