Joseph Tegbe, Minister of Power, says recent electricity supply challenges in some states have been resolved, assuring Nigerians that the government is working to sustain grid stability.
Tegbe spoke on Monday on a TVC television programme
monitored by TheCable.
On November 7, the minister had blamed the planned
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 said the planned 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, the minister 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, the minister
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.”
The minister also projected 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.
FG PLANS $2 BILLION EAST-WEST SUPER GRID
Furthermore, the minister 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 east-west grid would cut across the country,
linking Funtua, Gwagwalada, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, Epe, and Ilorin.
According to the minister, the government has commenced the
procurement process for the project, which could be completed within two years.
He said the initiative would help increase the grid’s
capacity from about 4,000 megawatts to 19,000 megawatts, noting 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.
Tegbe said the government’s immediate priority is to ensure
that existing electricity infrastructure is optimised to improve supply
stability.
He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government,
saying he understood the difficulties caused by inadequate electricity supply.
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