Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that significant improvements in electricity supply would soon be experienced across the country.

Tegbe gave the assurance while speaking with journalists on Monday shortly after being sworn into office by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, the federal government is intensifying efforts to tackle the longstanding challenges affecting the power sector, stressing that although there is no instant solution, visible progress would soon become evident nationwide.

“This is a sector that we all know has a couple of challenges and a lot of efforts is being put into this sector by this current administration,” Tegbe said.

“People might not appreciate it but very soon people will appreciate it.”

The minister noted that President Tinubu has invested considerable attention and resources into the sector in recent years, with reforms currently underway to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution across Nigeria.

Tegbe, however, cautioned Nigerians against expecting immediate perfection in power supply, emphasizing that the transformation process would require patience and sustained efforts.

“I said it during my Senate confirmation that I am not promising a magic wand. I am not promising 24 hours, seven days in a week power,” he stated.

“We will get there ultimately. But what I promise Nigerians is that we will see visible improvements.”

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The minister disclosed that reports and feedback reaching him suggest electricity supply has already improved in several parts of the country in recent weeks.

He attributed the development to the coordinated efforts of agencies under the Ministry of Power and the direct commitment of President Tinubu toward fixing the sector.

According to Tegbe, he has spent the past four weeks engaging critical stakeholders within the electricity industry, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Rural Electrification Agency, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

“For the last four weeks after my confirmation I have engaged various key stakeholders in the sector. TCN, Ministry of Power, REA, NERC, everybody and they have given commitments and that is what you are seeing today with the improvements,” he explained.

Tegbe appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the administration, assuring citizens that efforts are ongoing to address all major challenges within the power sector.

“Nigerians should please bear with us. The President understands the challenges. We are addressing those challenges and we will make sure we fix it both in generation, transmission and distribution,” he said.

The minister highlighted recent developments within the sector, including the restoration of a feeder station in Katampe within 24 hours after it experienced failure, describing it as evidence of renewed dedication among workers and operators in the industry.

He also disclosed that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company recently resumed operations after being inactive for three years, describing the move as another positive sign of ongoing reforms.

“If you see some things that some of the people in the sector have done in the last couple of weeks it will marvel you that it is coming out of our people,” he added.

Tegbe concluded by calling for public support and prayers for the administration as it works toward improving electricity supply nationwide.

“Very soon Nigeria will be lit up by God’s grace,” he said.