Nigeria’s minister of power designate, Joseph Tegbe, has pushed back against reports claiming he promised to fix the country’s troubled national grid within three months. In a statement released on Thursday, his spokesperson described the reports as “inaccurate and misleading,” clarifying that no such commitment was made during his Senate screening on May 6, 2026. What Tegbe Actually Said According to the statement, Tegbe emphasized that no fixed timeline has been set yet for power sector reforms. He explained that any concrete timeline would depend on: Technical diagnostics Stakeholder consultations Sector-wide assessments Rather than making bold promises, Tegbe noted that reforms would be carefully planned and executed. Short-Term vs Long-Term Plans While dismissing the three-month claim, Tegbe did outline a more realistic approach: First 100 days: Begin efforts to stabilize the national grid Up to one year: Achieve meaningful progress in deeper structural reforms These reforms are expected to address critical issues such as: Power sector credibility Gas supply challenges Metering gaps Operational inefficiencies Commitment to Improvement During his screening, Tegbe assured lawmakers that Nigerians would begin to see visible improvements in the power sector. His broader goals include: Stabilizing the national grid Modernizing electricity infrastructure Strengthening commercial frameworks Enforcing accountability across the power value chain What About Electricity Tariffs? On tariff reforms, Tegbe struck a balancing tone. He assured that: Vulnerable households will be protected Policies will aim to balance affordability with sector sustainability Investor confidence and operational efficiency will remain priorities Final Note Tegbe also reaffirmed his openness to engaging with the media, urging journalists to verify information to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian community in South Africa, says over 130 Nigerians have voluntarily registered for repatriation following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country. The federal government had earlier announced plans to begin the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stating that President Bola Tinubu approved evacuation flights for those willing to return home. According to her, arrangements are ongoing to compile the details of affected citizens, with support from Nigerian associations in South Africa. The initial figure of 130 registrants is expected to rise as more Nigerians come forward. Speaking on Thursday, Onyekwelu confirmed that the number has already increased, noting that many Nigerians are facing economic hardship and struggling to survive. He explained that some individuals are dealing with documentation challenges, including delays in renewing residence permits or obtaining work authorization. These bureaucratic hurdles have made it difficult for many to secure or maintain employment. Onyekwelu added that several Nigerians have exhausted their savings after spending years in the country without stable income, prompting them to consider returning home to rebuild their lives. Health Challenges and Rising Costs He further revealed that health concerns and the rising cost of medical care are major factors influencing the decision to return. According to him, access to affordable healthcare has become increasingly difficult for foreign nationals, as some hospitals now require payment or referral to private facilities. As a result, many Nigerians believe returning home would offer more affordable healthcare options and better support systems, including staying with family and exploring local means of livelihood such as agriculture. Onyekwelu noted that for many, reintegration into Nigeria appears more sustainable than continuing under current conditions in South Africa.