President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s energy leadership as the country continues to address its power sector challenges. The nomination, announced by the President’s spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, follows the resignation of former Minister Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to contest elective office. The appointment has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional procedures.
Mr Tegbe, a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert from Oyo State, brings over 35 years of experience in both public and private sector leadership. His career has been marked by strategic advisory roles, particularly in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance. He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major initiatives that shaped economic policy and regulatory frameworks across the continent.
In his current role, Tegbe is the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), a position where he plays a key role in advancing bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. The NCSP coordinates engagement with public sector stakeholders to promote economic and social development, aligning with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) objectives. His work in this capacity underscores his expertise in international development and cross-border economic collaboration.
The appointment comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s power sector, which has long struggled with infrastructure deficits, generation gaps, and distribution inefficiencies. With his deep background in economic reform and institutional strengthening, Tegbe is expected to bring a strategic, data-driven approach to revitalizing the sector. His experience in advising government institutions and private organizations on regulatory frameworks and investment structuring positions him well to tackle the complex challenges facing power delivery in Nigeria.
As the Senate prepares to screen and confirm the nominee, stakeholders in the energy sector are watching closely. The appointment of a technocrat with Tegbe’s credentials signals a shift toward expertise-led governance in key ministries. His nomination reflects the administration’s commitment to professional management and reform in critical sectors.
The new Minister of Power will inherit a sector in need of urgent transformation, but his proven track record in economic policy and international partnerships offers hope for meaningful progress. As Nigeria strives to improve electricity access and reliability, Tegbe’s leadership could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of power in the country.
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