President Bola Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, moving a seasoned reform expert to the frontline of Nigeria’s electricity crisis.
The nomination, sent to the Senate on Wednesday for screening and confirmation, follows the resignation of former minister Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to seek elective office.
Tegbe, from Oyo State, brings over 35 years of experience in fiscal policy, institutional reform, and governance across the public and private sectors. A former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, he led reforms in regulatory frameworks, institutional restructuring, and investment strategy for governments and major corporations.
He currently serves as Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, NCSP, where he coordinates bilateral development cooperation with Beijing and aligns public sector projects with FOCAC goals.
● Power sector track record
The Presidency said Tegbe’s portfolio includes “significant engagements within the power sector,” with past advisory roles involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, NBET.
His nomination signals a push to stabilize the grid, deepen regulatory reform, and attract sustainable investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, according to a statement signed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
“The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector,” Onanuga said.
● From KPMG to ministry
At KPMG, Tegbe oversaw advisory work on fiscal reform and governance for clients across Africa. He has advised both state institutions and private firms on strategic reforms, regulatory design, and deal structuring.
As NCSP chief, he manages Nigeria-China economic cooperation, a role that touches energy, infrastructure, and industrial development — sectors directly tied to power supply and generation.
● Vacancy and expectations
The power portfolio has been vacant since Adelabu resigned to run for office. The sector faces chronic grid collapses, liquidity shortfalls, and a metering gap, with Nigerians demanding reliable supply and cost-reflective tariffs.
Tegbe’s nomination puts a technocrat with regulatory and transaction experience in charge of Tinubu’s power agenda. If confirmed by the Senate, he will be tasked with improving grid stability, unlocking investment, and executing reforms at NERC, NBET, and other key agencies.
The nomination was transmitted to the Senate on April 30, 2026, in line with constitutional provisions.
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