As part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, JMG Limited hosted students from Wellspring College on an educational tour of its production facility, giving young science students practical exposure to engineering and manufacturing operations.

The initiative brought together 41 Senior Secondary School One (SS1) science students and their teachers for a hands-on learning experience aimed at connecting classroom theory with real-world industrial practice.

Company officials said the programme was designed to inspire interest in engineering, technology, and industrial careers among young Nigerians at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen technical education and local manufacturing capacity.

Why the visit matters

Nigeria’s manufacturing and engineering sectors continue to face challenges linked to skills shortages, youth unemployment, and limited practical exposure for students.

Industry experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of technical and vocational education in preparing students for the future workforce, especially as industries increasingly demand practical skills alongside academic qualifications.

During the visit, JMG’s production team guided the students through assembly and production processes, introducing them to manufacturing workflows, engineering systems, operational procedures, and equipment handling.

The students also participated in interactive learning sessions and guided inspections focused on workplace culture and industrial excellence.

Safety officers from the company’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) unit supervised the activities and conducted safety briefings to educate the students on workplace safety standards and operational protocols.

JMG urges students to embrace engineering opportunities

Speaking during the tour, Plant Manager Fouad El Chami encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies and take advantage of opportunities within the engineering and technology sectors.

“Early exposure to practical environments can shape ambitions and inspire future career paths,” he said.

He also highlighted the opportunities available within Nigeria’s manufacturing and engineering industries, urging the students to pursue continuous learning, discipline, and academic excellence.

JMG said the initiative forms part of its corporate social responsibility efforts focused on education, youth empowerment, and community development.

According to the company, exposing students to industrial environments can help stimulate curiosity, nurture innovation, and encourage more young Nigerians to consider careers in science and technology.

Growing focus on practical learning

Education advocates say industrial visits and practical learning experiences are becoming increasingly important as schools seek to prepare students for evolving labour market demands.

Experts in technical education note that many students graduate without direct exposure to industrial systems, making collaborations between schools and private companies valuable for workforce development.

The Children’s Day initiative also reflects growing private-sector involvement in educational support programmes across Nigeria, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

About JMG

JMG Limited provides solutions across power generation, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, air compressors, and vertical transportation.

The company also offers clean energy solutions, including solar and hybrid power systems, while promoting sustainable development and human capital advancement in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s ministerial-designate for power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has said there is no “quick fix” to the country’s long-running electricity crisis, pledging instead to pursue transparent reforms aimed at rebuilding trust in the troubled sector.

Speaking during his Senate screening on 6 May 2026, Tegbe acknowledged widespread frustration over repeated national grid collapses, poor electricity supply, and mounting concerns over tariffs and metering across Nigeria.

He said reforms under his watch would focus on measurable progress, accountability, and public transparency.

“We will not do things the way we used to do before. I will not promise what I cannot deliver. We must close the metering gap and ensure Nigerians can track performance through a transparent public dashboard,” Tegbe said.

His remarks come at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with unstable electricity supply, forcing households and businesses to rely heavily on generators and alternative energy sources.

Why the power sector matters

Nigeria’s power sector has faced decades of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks, and liquidity challenges affecting electricity generation, distribution, and payment systems.

Industry analysts say the instability has slowed economic growth, raised business costs, and worsened living conditions for many Nigerians.

Tegbe said reforms would involve “clear milestones and timelines” while focusing on reducing system disturbances and strengthening transmission infrastructure.

“We understand the issues. What is needed now is honest engagement and firm execution. We will tell Nigerians the truth. We must reduce system disturbances and strengthen transmission, tariffs must reflect services, and tariffs must justify service, and we must close the trust gap between operators and our citizens,” he said.

He also pledged to improve gas supply to power plants, accelerate metering, and restore credibility to the sector within his first year if confirmed.

Disputing claims of a ‘100-day fix’

The ministerial nominee also pushed back against reports suggesting he promised to fix Nigeria’s electricity challenges within 100 days.

According to the statement, Tegbe’s comments during the screening focused instead on long-term reforms aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Energy experts have repeatedly warned that structural problems in the sector cannot be solved within a few months, pointing instead to the need for sustained investment, policy consistency, and stronger regulation.

Tegbe’s background in public sector reforms

Tegbe is known for his previous roles as Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee.

He spent more than three decades at KPMG Nigeria and has worked on regulatory and institutional reform projects linked to the Nigerian power sector.

His experience includes engagements involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.

Tegbe studied at Lagos Business School, INSEAD, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School.

Industry and public reaction

Some energy stakeholders welcomed Tegbe’s emphasis on transparency, particularly his proposal for a public performance dashboard that could allow Nigerians to track sector improvements.

Consumer advocacy groups have long argued that distrust between electricity consumers and distribution companies has worsened due to estimated billing, poor service delivery, and weak communication.

Small business owners, many of whom spend heavily on diesel and petrol generators, are also expected to watch closely for signs of improved electricity reliability and lower operating costs.

What happens next?

Tegbe’s nomination is expected to proceed through the final stages of confirmation before any formal policy rollout begins.

If confirmed, he will inherit one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive and economically critical ministries, with pressure mounting for reforms that deliver visible improvements in power supply.

Nigeria’s Senate on Wednesday screened Minister of Power-designate, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, with lawmakers focusing heavily on how he plans to address the country’s long-running electricity challenges.

During the screening, senators highlighted Tegbe’s background in infrastructure and public sector reform, saying his cross-sector experience could support efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s struggling power sector.

Nigeria continues to face widespread blackouts, weak electricity distribution, low metering penetration, and recurring national grid collapses — issues that have affected businesses, households, and economic growth for years.

Speaking during the session, Tegbe described electricity as central to national development.

“Electricity is not just a sector. It is the foundation of productivity, dignity, and national confidence,” he said.

He admitted there was no immediate solution to Nigeria’s power crisis but insisted that consistent reforms and disciplined implementation could improve the situation.

Why Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis Matters

Nigeria’s unreliable power supply remains one of the country’s biggest economic and social challenges.

Small businesses spend heavily on diesel and petrol generators, while manufacturers frequently cite unstable electricity as a major obstacle to growth and investment.

Energy analysts say improving electricity generation and distribution could significantly reduce business costs, improve productivity, and support job creation.

The power sector has also struggled with mounting debt, gas supply shortages, ageing infrastructure, and low revenue collection.

Tegbe’s Reform Priorities

During the screening, Tegbe outlined several priority areas he said would guide his administration if confirmed.

These include:

Improving gas supply to boost electricity generation

Strengthening national grid reliability

Enforcing accountability among electricity distribution companies

Accelerating nationwide metering

Restoring financial discipline across the sector

“We will replace uncertainty with clarity, inefficiency with discipline, and promises with measurable progress,” Tegbe said.

He also pledged to begin immediate diagnostic reviews and consultations with stakeholders across the industry.

According to him, some operational improvements could become visible within three months, while broader reforms — including restoring investor confidence and improving metering — may take up to one year.

Industry Expectations and Public Concerns

Power sector stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger policy coordination between government agencies, electricity distribution companies, and gas suppliers.

Many Nigerians are also expected to closely monitor Tegbe’s performance, especially after years of repeated reform promises by successive administrations.

Consumers continue to complain about estimated billing, poor service delivery, and rising electricity tariffs despite unstable supply.

Energy experts say any meaningful improvement would require sustained investment, regulatory enforcement, and stronger collaboration between the federal government and private sector operators.

Commitment to Accountability

Tegbe told lawmakers he intends to work closely with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to deliver reforms.

“I will be accountable for progress, responsible in communication, and disciplined in execution,” he said.

The Senate screening ended with his nomination moving to the next stage of confirmation.

What Happens Next?

If confirmed by the Senate, Tegbe will take over leadership of one of Nigeria’s most challenging ministries at a time when citizens and businesses are demanding urgent improvements in electricity supply.

Analysts say early actions on grid stability, metering, and gas supply will likely shape public perception of his tenure.