‘Nigerians deserve better’ — Tegbe directs TCN, NISO, DisCos to improve electricity supply

Joseph Tegbe, minister of power, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to address operational challenges responsible for the recent decline in power generation.

In a statement on Thursday, Adeola Adelabu, spokesperson to the minister, said Tegbe is working closely with the agencies to restore normal electricity supply as quickly as possible.

“He has engaged them to resolve the operational constraints behind the downtime, speed up ongoing maintenance, and keep the public informed,” the statement reads.

The ministry of power said it had taken note of concerns from Nigerians in parts of the country “that have experienced reduced electricity supply in the past few days, especially Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo States”.

“These are areas that had recently enjoyed noticeable improvements in power supply before the current downtimes. The Ministry acknowledges the inconvenience this has caused households, businesses and public institutions, and understands the frustration of Nigerians who had begun to see the benefits of steadier supply,” the statement reads.

“We recognise what every hour without power means for individuals, families and businesses, and we do not take it lightly.”

According to the ministry, preliminary assessments indicate that the disruptions were not caused by any major or systemic failure of the national grid.

“They stem from maintenance and operational issues on parts of the power ecosystem, together with a decline in generation caused by constraints in gas supply to thermal power stations and reduced output from hydroelectric stations due to lower water inflows into reservoirs. All of these are being addressed,” the ministry said.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the improvements already recorded and enhancing the reliability and quality of electricity supply nationwide.

The statement said Nigerians deserved better electricity supply, noting that the administration is working to deliver it.

The NISO had earlier attributed the drop in electricity generation on the national grid to gas supply constraints affecting thermal power plants and reduced output from hydroelectric power stations.(TheCable)