Minister of power, Joseph Tegbe, has said recent challenges with electricity supply in some states of the federation have been resolved, making assurances to Nigerians that the government is working to sustain stability in the grid.
Tegbe disclosed this on Monday on a TVC television programme monitored by JESNews.
Our correspondent reports that on November 7, the Power minister had blamed the scheduled maintenance at Egbin power station, gas supply constraints, and sabotage of transmission lines for the ongoing power outages in four states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He stated that the maintenance at Egbin power station and constraints in gas supply to some thermal power stations had reduced the amount of electricity available on the national grid.
Speaking on the TV programme, Tegbe said the recent electricity supply challenges have been resolved, with the planned maintenance completed.
“Number one, we’ve sorted out this little challenge we had in the last few days. It was painful for most of you. But look, we fixed it. And we will ensure that that stability remains. My focus is to ensure grid stability,” he said.
Addressing power outages in the Lagos corridor, he said electricity has been restored to several areas as of Sunday night.
“I’m sure in Lagos, I confirm as at last night because I made personal calls, Ajah, Leki, Ikoyi, Magodo, Ikeja, lights are back,” he said.
“And people have attested to it, people have sent me messages. Nigerians, again, I appeal to you, just bear with us, we’ll get there.”
He said that Nigeria would achieve a stable electricity supply within the next three to five years.
“Honestly speaking, you already see some visible improvement despite the challenge we have had. By the time we fix the grid…okay? I’ll look at the horizon of about three to five years from now,” Tegbe said.
“Infrastructure build out is not done overnight. Even when we fix some of the challenges we have today, we need to build the capacity.
“Everybody’s building capacity for AI, for data. Most young people work from home, and because of that, there’s a need for bandwidth and for electricity supply.
He said the federal government is planning to invest $2 billion in an east-west super grid to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission network and increase its capacity to 19,000 megawatts.
Tegbe said the proposed grid would complement existing infrastructure rather than replace it, adding that the project would improve the resilience and stability of the national grid.
He said the initiative would help increase the grid’s capacity from about 4,000 megawatts to 19,000 megawatts, stating that the government also expects private sector participation in electricity transmission within the next two to three years.
“So give me a time horizon of three to five years. Nigeria will enjoy stable life. And as demand improves, it will get better,” he said.
