Tinubu Names Fiscal Expert Joseph Tegbe as New Minister of Power

​ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally nominated Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power, signaling a strategic shift toward technocratic leadership in Nigeria’s critical energy sector.

​The nomination was transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation on Thursday, in strict adherence to constitutional protocols. If confirmed, Mr. Tegbe will succeed Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who recently resigned from the cabinet to focus on his gubernatorial ambitions in Oyo State ahead of upcoming elections.

​A Seasoned Reformer

A native of Oyo State, Mr. Tegbe arrives at the Ministry of Power with a formidable reputation as a fiscal and economic reform specialist. His career, which spans more than 35 years, is defined by high-level leadership roles in both the public and private spheres.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Notably, Tegbe is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa. During his tenure at the global firm, he spearheaded complex initiatives focused on institutional transformation, governance, and fiscal policy. His portfolio includes advising major government institutions and private entities on investment structuring and regulatory frameworks—skills considered essential for the capital-intensive power sector.

​Deep Roots in Energy and Diplomacy

Beyond his consulting background, the Minister-designate is no stranger to the nuances of Nigeria’s electricity market. He has previously held significant engagements with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), focusing on the institutional reforms necessary to stabilize the nation’s energy value chain.

​Until his nomination, Mr. Tegbe served as the Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP). In this capacity, he has been instrumental in managing bilateral cooperation between Abuja and Beijing, aligning local development goals with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) objectives.

​The “Renewed Hope” Mandate

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency expressed confidence that Tegbe’s expertise will accelerate the “Renewed Hope” agenda for the energy sector.

​The administration is currently grappling with the dual challenges of grid stability and the need for massive sustainable investment. President Tinubu expects the incoming minister to leverage his vast experience to drive the ongoing decentralization of the power market and deliver tangible improvements in electricity supply for all Nigerians.

​Senate leadership is expected to schedule the screening of the nominee in the coming legislative days.