The nomination of Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attracted widespread commendation from stakeholders across Nigeria’s business and policy landscape.
Industry leaders and analysts described the move as a strategic step toward addressing longstanding challenges in the country’s power sector, including supply deficits, grid instability, and structural inefficiencies.
Tegbe, who currently serves as Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership and Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, is regarded by supporters as a results-driven technocrat with experience spanning both the private and public sectors.
Commenting on the development, energy sector stakeholder Jonathan Achi described Tegbe as “a pragmatic reformer” capable of driving measurable outcomes. He cited Tegbe’s work at the NCSP, where he facilitated investment engagements across sectors such as agriculture, mining, steel, and energy.
Other stakeholders pointed to Tegbe’s involvement in major economic initiatives, including efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s steel industry and expand industrial capacity, as well as his role in advancing projects like the National Integrated Poultry Project.
Business leader Musa Abdullahi noted that Tegbe’s track record reflects “a rare ability to connect vision with delivery,” adding that such experience would be critical in repositioning Nigeria’s power sector.
Tegbe’s collaboration with global technology firm Huawei Technologies on aspects of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda was also highlighted as evidence of his ability to leverage international partnerships for national development.
Analysts say the complexity of Nigeria’s electricity market will require coordinated leadership across key institutions, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, as well as sustained efforts to attract private investment and improve market discipline.
They added that Tegbe’s policy experience, particularly in tax reform and stakeholder engagement, could support broader efforts to stabilise and modernise the power sector.
The nomination is expected to undergo legislative confirmation, as stakeholders continue to express optimism that Tegbe’s appointment could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s electricity industry.
