President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Nigerian Senate to confirm the nomination of Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as a minister.
The request was conveyed in a letter read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“In compliance with the provisions of section 147 subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter stated.
Tinubu urged the senate to give the nomination prompt consideration, expressing confidence in the legislative body’s cooperation.
Responding, Akpabio assured the president that the request would be treated without delay, noting that it had been referred to the committee of the whole for immediate action.
The nomination was earlier announced by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, who described Tegbe as a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert.
According to a State House press release, Tegbe’s nomination followed Adelabu’s decision to step down from office to pursue elective office. Adelabu had served as Minister of Power under the Tinubu administration before his resignation.
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According to Onanuga, Tegbe brings over 35 years of experience across the public and private sectors. He previously served as a senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG Africa, where he led initiatives in fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation.
He has also worked with government agencies and private organisations on regulatory frameworks, investment structuring, and strategic reforms.
Tegbe’s nomination follows the recent resignation of Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from his ministerial role to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
Tegbe, who is from Oyo State, is expected to take over one of the most sensitive ministries in the country if confirmed by the Senate. The Ministry of Power remains central to the Federal Government’s economic reform plans, as Nigerians continue to demand better electricity supply, improved grid stability and stronger investment in the power sector.
Tegbe is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa. During his time at the firm, he led major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, regulatory development, institutional restructuring and governance improvement. He also advised government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks and investment structuring.
His background is expected to play a key role in the Federal Government’s push to reform the power sector and attract long-term investment.
Tegbe is currently the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership. In that role, he is responsible for strengthening development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to support economic and social development in line with the objectives of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
