President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as minister of power, a move widely seen as part of renewed efforts to deepen reforms in Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector.
The nomination has been sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional provisions. It comes after the resignation of former minister Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue elective politics.
Tegbe’s selection signals a clear preference for a technocratic approach to one of Nigeria’s most complex policy challenges. With over three decades of experience spanning consulting, public policy, and institutional reform, he brings a profile rooted more in technical advisory work than traditional partisan politics.
He previously served as a Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he worked on fiscal reforms, governance restructuring, and institutional strengthening across multiple sectors. He has also advised government agencies and private organisations on regulatory frameworks and investment strategy.
At present, Tegbe leads the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) as Director-General and Global Liaison, coordinating bilateral engagements focused on infrastructure financing, trade cooperation, and development initiatives under the FOCAC framework.
His background includes prior engagement with key power sector institutions such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), areas central to Nigeria’s electricity market structure.
A statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the nomination aligns with ongoing efforts to stabilise the national grid, improve sector efficiency, and attract long-term investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond the official framing, the appointment reflects the administration’s growing reliance on reform-oriented professionals to tackle systemic bottlenecks in critical infrastructure sectors.
If confirmed, Tegbe will inherit a power sector still weighed down by generation deficits, transmission constraints, and distribution inefficiencies—issues that have persisted despite multiple reform attempts over the years.
The Senate is expected to commence screening in the coming days.
Tinubu turns to technocrat Tegbe as power sector reform gains urgency
