Forum Backs Presidential Electricity Reform Initiative, Congratulates Tegbe
By Judex OKORO
The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN) has backed the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reset and Restoration even as they congratulated Engr. Joseph Tegbe on his nomination as Minister of Power.
FOCPEN described the twin developments as critical steps toward repositioning Nigeria’s electricity sector and accelerating ongoing reforms aimed at improving power supply nationwide.
The statement was signed by the Chairman of FOCPEN and Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, alongside the Acting Secretary of the forum and Kogi State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib.
In the statement issued in Abuja, the forum said Tegbe’s nomination reflected “a renewed commitment to addressing longstanding challenges and unlocking the vast potential of the Nigerian electricity value chain.”
The commissioners noted that the incoming minister brings “wealth of experience, competence, and strategic leadership” to the sector at a critical period in Nigeria’s energy transition.
FOCPEN also welcomed the creation of the presidential task force chaired by former Minister of Power, Dr. Rilwan Lanre Babalola, describing the initiative as “a timely and necessary mechanism to strengthen policy alignment, drive execution, and support ongoing sectoral transformation efforts.”
According to the forum, the task force would accelerate reforms, improve coordination and ensure the effective delivery of reliable and sustainable electricity nationwide.
The body, however, stressed that the effectiveness of the task force would depend largely on the inclusion of state governments, following the decentralisation of the electricity sector under the Electricity Act.
“The decentralization of the electricity sector makes it imperative that States are formally integrated into national coordination mechanisms to ensure alignment, efficiency, and investor confidence,” the statement said.
FOCPEN argued that sub-national governments now play constitutional, legal, policy and regulatory roles in the sector and should therefore be represented in national electricity coordination structures.
The forum said it was looking forward to the inclusion of state government representatives in the task force as part of efforts to institutionalise cooperation and ensure a seamless transition to a decentralised electricity market.
FOCPEN further pledged to work closely with Tegbe and Babalola to promote a harmonised and efficient power sector capable of improving electricity access and reliability for Nigerians.
