The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power, following his successful screening at the plenary.
Tegbe’s confirmation comes days after the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally transmitted his name to the upper legislative chamber for screening and approval, in line with constitutional provisions. The request was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently assured lawmakers of prompt consideration.
The new minister replaced Adebayo Adelabu, who resigned from the position to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the screening, the senators noted that Nigeria’s installed generation exceeded 13,000MW yet actual supply rarely surpasses 4,500MW because transmission and distribution systems remained weak.
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Responding to the questions on Nigeria’s power crisis, Tegbe expressed confidence that visible improvements would emerge within three to six months.
While rejecting failed past approaches, Tegbe promised innovation, broad consultation, and difficult but necessary decisions to resolve Nigeria’s chronic electricity crisis.
The lawmakers warned that entrenched interests, including generator importers and underperforming distribution firms, could resist meaningful reforms.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio urged Tegbe to avoid bureaucratic traps and prioritise lasting solutions over contract-driven maintenance culture.
