Industry analyst Gaffar Tunde has stepped forward to correct the record following media reports concerning comments made by Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe during a recent press briefing in Abuja. Tunde argues that public discourse has been clouded by misinformation regarding government plans for tariffs and subsidies.
During the session, Minister Tegbe outlined his primary goals for the power sector. His immediate focus is a thorough technical audit of the transmission network to pinpoint infrastructure weaknesses, including aging equipment and system bottlenecks. This audit will guide future investments to ensure better grid performance and long-term value.
Tegbe also announced targeted upgrades for key transmission corridors connecting Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano. By integrating the Rural Electrification Agency’s efforts, the Ministry intends to close delivery gaps. The Minister proposed a strategy where high-demand, commercially viable areas help generate the liquidity necessary to fund broader national projects.
Addressing the current state of the sector, the Minister noted that while reaching 5,000 MW in generation is a milestone, true success lies in stable delivery to homes and businesses. He highlighted the ongoing success of mini-grid projects in public institutions and confirmed plans to expand this coverage to sites like the University of Lagos and University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Crucially, Tunde clarified that the Minister never announced an end to electricity subsidies or plans to burden the public. The Minister explained that electricity subsidies function as tariff shortfalls rather than direct handouts. Ultimately, Tunde urged stakeholders to focus on the sector’s development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than misinterpreting the government’s objectives.
