Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm three nominees for key positions across Nigeria’s power and petroleum sectors, in a move that underscores fresh adjustments within his administration’s economic team.
The request, read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, was conveyed in a formal letter addressed to the upper chamber.
In the correspondence, Tinubu cited Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to nominate ministers subject to Senate confirmation, and urged lawmakers to give the request prompt consideration.
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The President nominated Joseph Tegbe as Minister of Power, following the resignation of Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue the Oyo State governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tegbe, a fiscal and economic reform expert and former Senior Partner at KPMG Africa, is also known for his role in the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership. He brings over three decades of experience in investment advisory and public sector reform into a ministry central to the administration’s electricity and infrastructure agenda.
In the same vein, Tinubu sought confirmation of Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State, as well as Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Umar’s nomination comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The authority, established under the Petroleum Industry Act, regulates fuel pricing, licensing, and compliance across midstream and downstream operations.
His appointment would mark another leadership change at the agency within a short span, reflecting ongoing recalibration of the regulatory framework amid fuel pricing pressures and broader market reforms.
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The Senate has since referred the nominations to relevant committees for screening, with indications that the process may be expedited given the strategic importance of the positions.
If confirmed, the appointments are expected to reinforce ongoing efforts to stabilise the power sector, strengthen petroleum regulation, and sustain momentum in the administration’s economic reform agenda.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
