Power Supply Improvement Promised Within 72 Hours, Says Minister

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has announced a decisive step toward power supply improvement, promising that electricity delivery will begin to stabilise within the next 48 to 72 hours. The statement comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the generation and transmission constraints that have caused rolling blackouts in several states this month. Tegbe’s reassurance is aimed at calming households, businesses and investors who have been grappling with unpredictable power supply since the recent grid disruptions.

What triggered the latest power outages?

Earlier in November 2026, Nigeria experienced a series of unplanned outages that affected major urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, as well as smaller towns in the north‑east. The root causes were identified as a combination of reduced generation capacity at key thermal plants, delayed maintenance at hydroelectric stations, and bottlenecks in the transmission network that prevented the efficient flow of electricity from generation sites to end‑users.

Industry analysts point out that the ageing infrastructure, coupled with seasonal demand spikes during the festive period, amplified the strain on the grid. While the government has previously rolled out the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP), the recent setbacks highlighted gaps in execution, especially around real‑time monitoring and rapid response to plant failures.

Minister Tegbe’s roadmap for power supply improvement

In a press briefing held at the Ministry of Power headquarters, Tegbe outlined a three‑pronged approach that the administration will pursue over the next few days to achieve the promised power supply improvement:

• Generation boost: Deploying standby diesel generators at critical thermal plants, accelerating fuel delivery to hydro units, and fast‑tracking the commissioning of the newly built solar‑hydro hybrid project in the Niger Delta.
• Transmission upgrades: Mobilising rapid‑response teams to clear faults on high‑voltage lines, installing temporary bypass circuits, and fast‑tracking the ongoing 330kV line expansion project that links the northern and southern grids.
• Demand‑side management: Launching a public awareness campaign on energy conservation, encouraging industrial users to shift non‑essential loads to off‑peak hours, and expanding the prepaid electricity scheme to reduce illegal connections.

According to the minister, these actions are already underway and will start showing tangible results within the promised 48‑72 hour window. He emphasised that the government is working closely with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and private power producers to ensure coordinated implementation.

Impact on households and businesses

For the average Nigerian, the prospect of a steadier power supply means less reliance on costly generators and inverters. Households that have been spending up to 30% of their monthly income on diesel fuel can expect relief as the grid stabilises. Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute over 80% of Nigeria’s private sector, stand to gain increased productivity and reduced operational costs.

In Lagos, a textile workshop owner, Mrs. Aisha Bello, shared her optimism: “If the power comes back as promised, we can finally run our sewing machines without worrying about sudden cuts. It will also lower our electricity bills, which have been soaring.” While this quote is illustrative, it reflects the sentiment echoed across market stalls, tech hubs and farming communities alike.

Regional implications and lessons for Africa

Nigeria’s power challenges are not unique on the continent. Countries such as Ghana, Kenya and South Africa have also grappled with generation‑transmission mismatches. Tegbe’s rapid‑response plan offers a template that regional power pools could adapt: prioritise short‑term generation relief, clear transmission bottlenecks swiftly, and engage consumers in demand‑side measures.

Moreover, the commitment to a 72‑hour turnaround underscores the growing political will to treat electricity as a critical public service. If successful, the initiative could bolster Nigeria’s standing in the African Development Bank’s Power Africa programme, attracting further investment in renewable projects and grid modernisation across West and East Africa.

Challenges ahead and the need for sustained reform

While the immediate focus is on stabilising supply, experts warn that lasting improvement requires structural reforms. These include:

1. Strengthening the regulatory framework to enforce performance standards for private generators.
2. Increasing private sector participation in renewable energy through transparent bidding processes.
3. Investing in smart‑grid technologies that enable real‑time monitoring and quicker fault isolation.
4. Addressing the chronic issue of electricity theft, which accounts for a significant portion of losses.

Without these long‑term measures, any short‑term gains risk being eroded by recurring outages. The minister acknowledged this, stating that the 72‑hour promise is a “first step” toward a broader transformation agenda that will span the next few years.

What Nigerians can do now

In the interim, citizens are encouraged to:

• Register for the prepaid electricity scheme where available, to avoid disconnections.
• Report any illegal connections to the local electricity distribution company.
• Adopt simple energy‑saving habits, such as turning off lights when not in use and using energy‑efficient appliances.
• Stay informed through official channels – the Ministry of Power’s website and verified social media handles – for real‑time updates on restoration progress.

These actions not only help the grid recover faster but also foster a culture of responsible consumption that can sustain future improvements.

FAQ

Q: When can I expect my electricity to return?
A: The Minister has indicated that most affected areas should see noticeable improvement within 48‑72 hours of the announcement, with full restoration expected shortly thereafter.

Q: Will the government provide compensation for losses incurred during the outage?
A: At present, there is no official compensation scheme announced. However, the government is reviewing policies to protect vulnerable consumers and small businesses from future disruptions.

Q: How can I verify if my area is part of the restoration plan?
A: Check the Ministry of Power’s official website or contact your local distribution company for the latest outage maps and scheduled restoration times.

Source

For the full statement from Minister Joseph Tegbe, see the original report on Punch Nigeria.

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