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Tag: Minister of power

  • Nigeria’s New Power Minister Tegbe Promises Steady Electricity Improvements Amid Sector Challenges

    Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has highlighted what he described as early improvements in the country’s electricity supply, while pledging sustained progress in the sector.

    Tegbe, who recently assumed office following the resignation of former minister Adebayo Adelabu, made the remarks during a television interview where he assessed developments in the power sector over the past few weeks.

    Early Gains in Power Sector

    The minister said recent coordination with key agencies such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has contributed to relative stability in electricity supply.

    He noted that the sector had recorded some improvements within a short period of time, describing them as encouraging signs for ongoing reforms.

    Persistent National Challenges

    Despite the reported progress, Nigeria’s power sector continues to face long-standing structural problems, including gas supply shortages, transmission constraints, and grid instability.

    Average electricity generation remains significantly below national demand, with output typically ranging between 3,000 and 4,500 megawatts, compared to installed capacity estimated at over 13,000 megawatts.

    These challenges have continued to result in frequent outages and uneven power distribution across the country.

    Public Reaction Remains Mixed

    While some stakeholders have welcomed claims of improved stability, others remain skeptical, citing persistent blackouts and lack of consistent supply in many parts of the country.

    Critics have also called for clearer data and transparency regarding actual improvements in generation and distribution.

    Minister Outlines Reform Priorities

    Tegbe said his administration will focus on stabilising the national grid, improving gas supply to power plants, expanding metering coverage, and upgrading infrastructure across the sector.

    He also promised improved coordination among stakeholders in the power value chain and hinted at plans to introduce a public performance tracking system.

    The power sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic development agenda, with stakeholders continuing to stress that reliable electricity is critical for industrial growth, job creation, and overall productivity.

  • Tinubu Swears In Joseph Tegbe, Sola Enikanolaiye as New Ministers

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs during a ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The inauguration followed their confirmation by the Senate after the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue governorship ambitions in their respective states.

    Swearing-In Held at Presidential Villa

    The ceremony was attended by family members of the new ministers, senior government officials and other invited guests.

    Tegbe and Enikanolaiye were nominated by President Tinubu and later screened and confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2026.

    Their appointments fill the vacancies created by the recent cabinet reshuffle.

    Tegbe Takes Charge of Power Ministry

    Joseph Tegbe, an indigene of Ibadan in Oyo State, assumes leadership of the Ministry of Power with more than three decades of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

    Over a career lasting more than 35 years, he has been involved in economic management, public sector reforms, policy implementation and strategic planning.

    He is also known for his work in institutional development and stakeholder engagement.

    Enikanolaiye Joins Foreign Affairs Ministry

    Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who hails from Igbagun in Kogi State, brings extensive diplomatic experience to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

    He graduated with a First Class degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he emerged as the best graduating student in his faculty.

    He later obtained a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos with distinction.

    Experienced Diplomat

    Before his appointment, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff.

    During his diplomatic career, he represented Nigeria in several countries and international missions, including Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

    He also served as Nigeria’s Head of Mission in New Delhi, India, before returning to the presidency.

  • Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as Power Minister After Adelabu’s Exit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power and forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.

    Appointment follows Adelabu’s resignation

    The nomination was announced on April 30, 2026, in a statement issued by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.

    It comes after the exit of Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned from the position to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

    In his resignation letter dated April 22, Adelabu said his decision would take effect from April 30.

    Profile of the nominee

    Tegbe, an indigene of Oyo State, brings over three decades of experience in finance, governance, and economic reform.

    He previously served as a senior partner at KPMG Africa, where he handled advisory roles focused on policy development and institutional reforms.

    Current role and international engagement

    Until his nomination, Tegbe served as Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.

    In that role, he coordinated bilateral engagements and supported development initiatives tied to international cooperation between both countries.

    Awaiting Senate confirmation

    His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate, in line with constitutional requirements.

    If confirmed, Tegbe will take charge of Nigeria’s power sector at a time when the government continues to push for reforms aimed at improving electricity supply nationwide.

  • Adelabu Speaks on 2027 Gubernatorial Ambition, Confirms Exit Plan from Power Ministry

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has confirmed his intention to step down from office in the coming days as he prepares to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, after formally informing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his political ambition.

    What happened

    According to a statement issued by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu disclosed that he had already communicated his decision to the President during a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he also presented a detailed report on his stewardship in the power sector over the past two and a half years.

    The statement noted that the Minister is expected to resign officially in the coming days, a move described as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in ongoing reforms within the electricity sector before his exit from office.

    Meeting with Tinubu and sector update

    During the engagement with President Tinubu, Adelabu reportedly highlighted key developments recorded under his leadership, including attempts to stabilise electricity generation, improve transmission capacity, and strengthen reforms across the power value chain.

    He also presented major policy frameworks such as the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), its Strategic Implementation Plan, and a Medium to Long-Term Resource Plan designed to guide sustainability and long-term sector growth.

    The statement explained that these frameworks are aimed at improving electricity access, expanding renewable energy integration, attracting investment, and building a more resilient national power system with clearer institutional responsibilities.

    Resignation linked to 2027 ambition

    The statement further confirmed that Adelabu’s planned resignation is directly tied to his governorship ambition in Oyo State, adding that he has received the President’s consent and blessing to pursue the political move.

    It also stressed that part of the reason for the delayed exit is to allow him conclude critical interventions in the power sector, particularly ongoing efforts to address challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers affecting generation output.

    What it means

    Adelabu’s decision now officially positions him among serving ministers preparing for the 2027 political cycle, as political activities gradually intensify across the country. His exit is expected to trigger a replacement process within the Federal Executive Council in the coming weeks.