President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power, marking a fresh development in the leadership of Nigeria’s troubled electricity sector.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the nomination has already been sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional requirements.
The nomination comes shortly after the resignation of the former Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from his position to pursue elective political office. His exit created a vacancy in a ministry that remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and daily life of millions of citizens.
Nigeria’s power sector has faced long-standing challenges, including unstable electricity supply, aging infrastructure, and high costs of generation and distribution. Frequent blackouts and reliance on generators continue to affect homes, businesses, and industries across the country. As a result, the appointment of a new minister is seen as an important step in addressing these issues and pushing forward reforms.
Mr Tegbe, who hails from Oyo State, brings over 35 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. According to the presidency, he is widely regarded as an expert in fiscal management and economic reforms.
He previously served as a Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led several major initiatives focused on improving fiscal policy, strengthening institutions, and promoting good governance. His work involved advising governments and private organisations on how to improve efficiency, manage resources better, and create policies that support economic growth.
In addition to his private sector experience, Mr Tegbe currently serves as the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). In that role, he has been responsible for strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and China, especially in areas of infrastructure development and economic collaboration.
The NCSP also works closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to promote projects aimed at boosting Nigeria’s social and economic development. Part of its work aligns with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which supports partnerships between China and African countries in areas such as energy, transport, and technology.
The power sector remains one of the most critical areas for the Tinubu administration. Since taking office, the President has repeatedly promised to improve electricity supply as part of broader efforts to grow the economy, create jobs, and reduce the cost of doing business.
Businesses in Nigeria often spend a significant amount of money on alternative power sources such as diesel and petrol generators due to unreliable grid supply. This has increased production costs and affected competitiveness, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Senate is expected to begin the screening process for Mr Tegbe in the coming days. During the screening, lawmakers will assess his qualifications, experience, and plans for the power sector before deciding whether to confirm his appointment.
If confirmed, Mr Tegbe will take over at a time when expectations are high for visible improvements in electricity supply. Many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether his appointment will bring new ideas and solutions to a sector that has struggled for decades.
For now, attention remains on the Senate’s next move and the outcome of the confirmation process. The presidency has expressed confidence in Mr Tegbe’s ability to deliver on the job, citing his wide experience and track record in both local and international roles.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its power challenges, the nomination of a new minister signals another attempts by the government to turn the sector around and provide more stable electricity for its citizens.