President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday swore in two new ministers, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in a move aimed at filling key vacancies in the Federal Executive Council and sustaining the administration’s policy agenda.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was attended by senior government officials, cabinet members, family members of the appointees and other dignitaries.
The appointments followed the resignation of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who left their positions to pursue governorship ambitions in their respective states ahead of the 2027 political season.
Monday’s ceremony formally marked the beginning of the new ministers’ responsibilities at a time when the government faces growing expectations in the areas of electricity supply, economic development and foreign relations.
President Tinubu administered the oath of office and urged members of his cabinet to remain focused on delivering the administration’s promises to Nigerians. The inauguration also signalled the administration’s determination to ensure continuity in key ministries despite changes in personnel.
The Senate had earlier screened and confirmed the two nominees on May 6, 2026, following their nomination by the President. Their confirmation came after lawmakers reviewed their qualifications, experience and plans for their respective ministries.
For many observers, the appointment of Tegbe as Minister of Power places a major responsibility on his shoulders, given the challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Nigeria has struggled for decades with inadequate power generation, transmission and distribution. Despite several reforms and investments by successive governments, millions of Nigerians still experience frequent blackouts and unreliable electricity supply.
Businesses, manufacturers and households have repeatedly called for improvements in power supply, arguing that stable electricity is critical to economic growth, job creation and industrial development.
As the new Minister of Power, Tegbe is expected to oversee government efforts to improve electricity generation and strengthen ongoing reforms in the sector.
Tegbe, an indigene of Ibadan in Oyo State, is widely recognised for his experience in economic management, institutional reforms and public policy implementation. He has spent more than 30 years working across both the public and private sectors.
Over the years, he has built a reputation as a professional involved in economic planning, fiscal reforms and stakeholder engagement. Supporters of his appointment believe his experience could help drive policies aimed at addressing long-standing problems in the power sector.
His appointment comes at a period when Nigerians are demanding better electricity services amid rising energy costs and concerns over the performance of power distribution and generation companies.
The foreign affairs ministry also received a new face with the inauguration of Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Enikanolaiye brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role and is expected to support Nigeria’s engagement with the international community.
Born in Igbagun, Kogi State, Enikanolaiye has a distinguished academic and professional record. He graduated with a First Class degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he emerged as the best graduating student in his faculty and won the Dean’s Prize.
He later obtained a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, graduating with distinction.
His diplomatic career spans several decades and includes postings in different parts of the world. During his years in the foreign service, he represented Nigeria in diplomatic missions in Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
These assignments exposed him to a wide range of international issues, including diplomacy, trade relations, multilateral cooperation and foreign policy negotiations.
Before his latest appointment, Enikanolaiye served as Nigeria’s Head of Mission in New Delhi, India, where he worked to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.
His experience in India came at a time when Nigeria was seeking stronger partnerships in trade, technology, healthcare, education and investment.
He also served as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President. In that role, he was involved in advising the administration on international matters and supporting the implementation of aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a critical role in promoting Nigeria’s interests abroad, protecting citizens overseas and strengthening relationships with other countries and international organisations.
Nigeria continues to face important foreign policy challenges, including regional security concerns, economic diplomacy, migration issues and efforts to attract foreign investment.
The ministry is also expected to play a central role in advancing Nigeria’s leadership position within Africa and strengthening partnerships with global powers and development institutions.
With the inauguration of the two ministers, the Federal Executive Council returns to full strength following the departures of Adelabu and Tuggar.
Government officials expressed confidence that the new ministers would contribute meaningfully to the administration’s objectives and help drive ongoing reforms in their respective sectors.
For Nigerians, however, the focus will be on results. Citizens will be watching closely to see whether the new leadership in the power ministry can improve electricity supply and whether the foreign affairs team can strengthen Nigeria’s image and influence on the global stage.
As Tegbe and Enikanolaiye settle into their new roles, expectations remain high that they will bring their experience and expertise to bear in addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges.