I have been watching what is happening in the power sector lately and I think it is only fair that i say something about it.
For years, electricity has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest problems. It is one issue that has frustrated industrialists, business owners, students, artisans and ordinary Nigerians.
We have complained about it for years.
So, when we begin to see a change, I believe we should also be able to acknowledge it.
Since Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe came in as Minister of Power, I have personally noticed an improvement in electricity supply.
In my neighbourhood, we now get an average of about 10 hours of electricity every day. Sometimes, it goes beyond that.
And let me make this clear, we are not even on Band A.
I have also seen people from other parts of the country sharing similar experiences.
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This is why I am writing this.
I am not attacking any former minister. I am not saying everything has suddenly become perfect in the power sector. Far from it.
There are still many problems to solve.
But I believe Nigerians should learn to give credit when they see an improvement.
One thing that interests me about Chief Tegbe is his approach.
A visionary person does not always have to wait for an old template before solving a new problem.
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Sometimes, you look at the situation in front of you, identify the people who understand the problem, bring competent hands together and start working.
That is what leadership should be about.
Chief Tegbe came into the ministry with experience in finance, accounting and economic and institutional reforms. Yet, he understands that the power sector requires more than financial knowledge. It requires engineers, technical experts, regulators and other professionals to work together.
And honestly, that is how it should be.
The power sector has its own interests, businesses and people who have operated around it for many years. Every minister will meet these realities. The responsibility of a new minister is to understand the system, identify what is not working and find a way forward.
The importance of electricity goes far beyond having light in our houses.
When there is stable electricity, the tailor can work longer, the mechanic can work better, the small business owner can spend less on fuel, the factory can operate more efficiently and the student can study without constantly worrying about when NEPA will take the light.
That is why electricity matters.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu had his own time at the ministry and faced a lot of criticism from Nigerians over the state of the power sector. Today, there is a new minister and a different approach.
For me, there is no need to attack the past before we appreciate what we are seeing today.
Let us simply watch the results.
If the improvement continues, Nigerians will know.
If the problems return, Nigerians will also know.
For now, however, I think Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe deserves commendation for the direction he has started taking.
He has only been in the saddle for a few months. There is still a lot of work to do.
But sometimes, you don’t need to wait for people to tell you what the problem is.
You just need to listen, look at the situation yourself, bring the right people together and get to work.
And perhaps the simplest question to ask Nigerians is:
“Are you seeing light?”
In my own case, the answer is yes.
Chief Tegbe, keep going. There is still a lot to do.
Abeg, let the electricity be more stable than this. Thank you JT.
I am Amb. Popoola Hassan
The Kishi-Man
