President Bola Tinubu has submitted multiple requests to the Senate seeking confirmation for key ministerial and regulatory appointments, in line with constitutional and statutory requirements.
The first request seeks Senate confirmation for Mr. Joseph Tegbe as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during Tuesday’s plenary session.
“In compliance with Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Mr. Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu’s letter read.
The President added, “While I hope this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”
Following the reading, Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate legislative consideration. He assured lawmakers that the Senate would act promptly, acknowledging the importance of executive collaboration in governance.
Earlier, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga had confirmed the nomination, describing Tegbe as a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience across public and private sectors. Tegbe previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, leading major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation. Onanuga also noted that the nomination followed the resignation of former Minister Adebayo Adelabu, who left office to pursue a governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a separate development, Tinubu also sought the Senate’s confirmation of Amb. Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 147(2) of the Constitution. The President urged the Senate to give the request expedited consideration, stressing its importance. The nomination was referred to the Committee of the Whole for urgent action.
Additionally, the President sought confirmation for Mr. Rabiu Umar as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in line with Section 41(6) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. The President’s letter read: “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Mr. Rabiu Umar as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).”
This request was referred to the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas for further legislative action. Lawmakers noted the strategic importance of the petroleum regulatory sector to Nigeria’s economic stability and energy governance and pledged urgent attention to the confirmation.
