Electricity Access, Not Megawatts, Will Define Nigeria’s Power Sector Performance – Minister Tegbe
By Aliyu Oyewole
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has announced a shift in how Nigeria will measure the performance of its power sector, saying success will now be determined by the number of communities and citizens connected to electricity rather than the volume of electricity generated.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the governing board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja, Tegbe said the agency’s mission goes beyond extending electricity to underserved communities, stressing that it is a catalyst for economic growth,inclusion and improved livelihoods.
“We are moving from just counting kilowatts and megawatts to how many communities and people were powered in the country,” the minister said.
According to him, every mini-grid, solar home system, electrified market, school, primary healthcare centre, farm and productive enterprise represents an investment in human capital and national prosperity.
Tegbe said the implementation of the Electricity Act and ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) have further strengthened the agency’s role in bridging the electricity access gap, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He urged the newly inaugurated board to provide strategic leadership, uphold institutional governance, safeguard public resources and deepen collaboration with development partners and the private sector.
The minister also challenged the board to prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians in every decision it takes.
“Most importantly, I encourage you to continually ask one fundamental question whenever decisions come before the board: ‘How does this improve the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians?’ If that question remains our compass, I have no doubt that the agency will continue to exceed expectations,” he said.
The seven-member REA governing board is chaired by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose. Other members include Ahmadu Abubakar, Ilyasu Makinta, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu and the agency’s three executive directors.
Responding on behalf of the board, Fayose thanked President Bola Tinubu for the appointment and pledged to support efforts aimed at expanding electricity access across the country.
He said the board would focus on addressing power challenges at the grassroots while mobilising the resources required to deliver sustainable electricity projects to more communities.
“Our assignment is beyond providing electricity. It is about ensuring that Nigerians feel the impact of energy,” Fayose said.
He also pledged to work towards securing adequate funding to implement the agency’s short- and long-term rural electrification programmes.
