Abuja, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm the nomination of Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power. The President’s correspondence was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, marking a swift move to fill the vacancy left by Adebayo Adelabu, who recently resigned to focus on his 2027 governorship ambition in Oyo State.
Tegbe, a native of Oyo State, arrives at the role with over 35 years of experience in fiscal and economic reform. The nominee is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa.
Okay News reports that his nomination follows the recent commissioning of the 60MW gas turbine in Bayelsa, highlighting a federal push toward decentralized energy solutions.
The Senate President has referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action, promising an expeditious screening process to ensure stability in the Power Ministry. This transition occurs amidst a broader period of cabinet adjustments as the May 30 primary deadline approaches, with many political heavyweights like Ali Pate and Ben Ayade yielding their elective ambitions to focus on national service. Tegbe’s primary mandate will likely involve the continued implementation of the Integrated National Electricity Policy and the management of regional power collaborations, such as the ongoing energy dialogue between Bayelsa and Taraba states.
