Nigeria's Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has revealed that some Nigerians have jokingly asked him to “slow down” because their freezers are now working continuously due to improved electricity supply in certain areas. Speaking at the commissioning of a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, Tegbe said communities that previously went without power for months now receive up to 18 hours of electricity daily.
Residents Adjust to Longer Power Supply
According to the minister, some residents who had struggled with poor power supply contacted him to complain that their appliances were now running more frequently. “Places that didn’t have light at all for three months are now having 18 hours light. Some areas called me to say, look, I should slow down, that everything in their freezer is freezing,” Tegbe said.
The minister noted that the comments were made in a joking manner by residents who were still adjusting to the longer electricity supply after spending extended periods without reliable power. He emphasized that improved electricity access was the goal of ongoing interventions in the power sector, adding that households and businesses need consistent supply to make better use of electrical appliances.
Government Efforts and Promises
Tegbe also recalled that during his Senate screening, he promised that Nigerians would begin to notice improvements in electricity supply within three to six months. The remarks come amid continued efforts by the Federal Government to increase power generation, improve transmission infrastructure, and expand access to electricity across the country.
Nigeria's electricity sector has faced longstanding challenges, including inadequate generation capacity, transmission limitations, distribution problems, and infrastructure gaps, which have contributed to frequent outages experienced by many consumers. The minister's comments highlight the gradual progress being made as the government works to address these issues.
