ABUJA — The Nigerian Federal Cabinet saw a significant reshuffle on Monday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the swearing-in of two new ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The ceremony, attended by senior government officials and family members, officially installed Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
These appointments serve to fill critical gaps left by the resignations of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar. Both predecessors stepped down earlier this year to focus on their respective political campaigns, adhering to the administration’s guidelines regarding political participation for public office holders. The Senate had previously conducted a thorough vetting process, granting the two nominees their formal clearance on May 6, 2026.
Joseph Tegbe brings an extensive background in economic reform to the Ministry of Power. As a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG in Africa, Tegbe spent 35 years navigating the complexities of institutional and fiscal restructuring. His expertise spans major national utility regulators, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission, providing him with a technical foundation intended to address the nation’s long-standing struggles with power generation and distribution.
In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appointment of Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye represents a return to traditional diplomatic expertise. Enikanolaiye, a career diplomat who rose through the ranks over 35 years of service, previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before retiring in 2017. His tenure as the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations ensured he was deeply involved in the current administration’s foreign policy framework prior to this elevation.
His diplomatic career has taken him to key global hubs, including London, Ottawa, and New Delhi, providing him with a broad understanding of international relations. The government is counting on this deep reservoir of experience to manage Nigeria's evolving relationships with key regional and international partners.
The focus for both ministers remains clear as they step into these roles. For Minister Tegbe, the challenge lies in improving the efficiency of the national power infrastructure, while Ambassador Enikanolaiye is expected to solidify Nigeria’s diplomatic standing amidst a rapidly shifting global landscape. With their induction complete, both ministers are expected to outline their strategic roadmaps for their respective portfolios in the coming weeks.
