BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Senator representing Eket Senatorial District, Ekong Sampson, has challenged the Minister of Power-designate, Joseph Tegbe, to present clear strategies for integrating state-owned power initiatives such as Ibom Power into the national electricity framework.
Sampson raised the concerns on Wednesday during the plenary at the Nigerian Senate, where Tegbe was screened as part of the confirmation process for a key role in Nigeria’s power sector.
During the session, Tegbe outlined his credentials, highlighting his engineering background and experience in fiscal management and sector administration as strengths he would bring to the office.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South geopolitical zone, Sampson underscored the need for stronger collaboration between the federal government and sub-national entities that have made independent investments in electricity generation. He cited Ibom Power in Akwa Ibom State as a critical example, urging the nominee to develop policies that will ensure synergy between Abuja and state-driven power projects.
The lawmaker also took aim at the country’s electricity tariff regime, describing it as burdensome to citizens who receive inadequate supply. He remarked that many Nigerians now “pay more for darkness than for light,” stressing the urgency of reforms that would ease consumer hardship.
Sampson further advocated improved rural electrification, noting that nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians reside in rural areas and deserve access to reliable power supply. He called on the incoming minister to develop a pragmatic policy framework capable of revitalising the sector and driving industrial growth.
Warning of the enormity of the task ahead, Sampson cautioned that the office would demand decisive leadership and innovative solutions to ensure sustainable electricity across the country.
Other senators at the plenary interrogated the nominee on persistent challenges in the sector, including repeated national grid collapses, vandalism of infrastructure, the influence of vested interests in generator imports, and rising electricity tariffs.
In his response, Tegbe assured lawmakers of his readiness to tackle the challenges head-on. He pledged to work closely with state governments and key stakeholders to improve generation and distribution, streamline tariffs, and enhance service delivery, while also protecting vulnerable consumers.
Meanwhile, the Senate also screened and confirmed Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The Evangelist News
