The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Adebayo Tegbe as Minister of Power and Yusuf Enikanolaye as junior Minister for Foreign Affairs, completing another round of cabinet adjustments under President Bola Tinubu.
While the confirmation of the appointments reinforce the administration’s policy lineup, market and consumer sentiments around the power sector and bureaucracy remain muted.
Nigerians are asking, for instance, when provision of constant electricity will be confirmed and the toga of ‘redtapism, impunity and politicisation’ would give way to the full implementation of budgets that would have positive impact and reduce the sufferings of the citizens
This is because some analysts insist that Tegbe inherits a ministry still burdened by liquidity gaps, transmission constraints, and persistent consumer distrust following years of underperformance against electricity reform benchmarks.
The nation’s missions and embassies are still being underfunded despite claims of meeting revenue targets.
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Comments and reactions from the streets show that Nigerians are not enthusiastic about the development, particularly in the power sector.
“Another minister for power; another press release”, that’s how most Nigerians received news of Tegbe’s Senate confirmation this week.
Infact, in some homes and markets across Lagos, Abuja and beyond, the reactions have been less about who’s in charge and more about why the lights still aren’t available.
For citizens paying higher tariffs but getting fewer hours of electricity, the new appointment feels like reshuffling deck chairs while the power crisis remains firmly plugged in.
For other citizens, the Senate confirmation means, ‘another name in the power ministry with a feeling of familiarity, not hopeful — especially as blackouts and high tariffs continue despite repeated promises of 24/7 electricity. The appointment signals a new face, not necessarily a new reality.’
The confirmation comes 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu requested the Senate for their confirmation
MBN recalls that the request was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate and read on the floor during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The duo were screened by the Senate in line with constitutional provisions before their confirmation.
Tegbe’s nomination was transmitted to the Senate for screening, following the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue elective office.
Enikanolaiye was nominated as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, following the appointment of Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of Foreign Affairs previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.