President Bola Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, marking a fresh leadership shift in a sector grappling with persistent challenges.
The nomination, announced on Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, has been forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Tegbe’s emergence follows the resignation of Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from the role to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections. Like Adelabu, Tegbe also hails from the state.
With over three decades of experience across both public and private sectors, Tegbe is widely regarded as a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert. He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led initiatives centred on fiscal policy reforms, institutional restructuring, and governance improvements.
His professional background includes advising government agencies and private organisations on regulatory frameworks, strategic reforms, and investment planning. Until his nomination, Tegbe held the position of Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, where he worked to deepen development cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Tegbe also brings sector-specific experience, having been involved in regulatory and institutional reforms within Nigeria’s power industry. His engagements have included work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.
According to the presidency, his appointment is expected to accelerate ongoing reforms in the power sector, improve grid stability, and attract long-term investment in line with the administration’s policy agenda.
The nomination comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s electricity sector, which continues to face widespread criticism over unreliable supply and repeated national grid collapses. Analysts say Tegbe’s confirmation and subsequent performance will be closely watched as the government seeks lasting solutions to the country’s power challenges.
