Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as New Power Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, in a move aimed at strengthening ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

The nomination, conveyed to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation, follows the resignation of the former minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue elective office.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to deepening reforms and improving service delivery in the power sector.

According to the statement, Tegbe brings more than three decades of experience cutting across the public and private sectors, particularly in fiscal policy, governance and institutional reform.

He previously served as a senior partner at KPMG Africa, where he led advisory services and was involved in major reform initiatives spanning economic policy, regulatory systems and organisational transformation.

The presidency noted that Tegbe has also worked closely with government institutions and private sector players on strategic reforms, including investment structuring and regulatory frameworks.

He is currently the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he oversees engagements aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Nigeria and China, in line with broader development objectives.

Tegbe is also said to have had significant involvement in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reforms linked to agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.

The statement indicated that his nomination is expected to bolster efforts to improve grid stability, attract sustainable investment and reposition the sector for better performance.

“The President expects the Minister-designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear in advancing critical reforms and delivering improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector,” the statement said.

Industry watchers say the nomination comes at a crucial time as the government intensifies efforts to address longstanding challenges in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

If confirmed by the Senate, Tegbe will assume responsibility for driving reforms under the administration’s economic agenda, with a focus on improving access to reliable power supply across the country.