President Bola Tinubu has reshuffled Nigeria's power sector, nominating Joseph Tegbe as the new minister of power and appointing Lanre Babalola to head a newly created task force on energy.
Tegbe's appointment marks another shift in the power ministry, which has seen multiple leadership changes since Tinubu took office in May 2023. The president has tasked him with navigating the country's chronic electricity challenges, a problem that has plagued successive governments and frustrated millions of Nigerians who endure daily blackouts.
Baralola's new role as head of the power sector task force signals the government's intention to run parallel structures alongside the ministry. The task force is expected to work on urgent interventions and policy matters that require faster decision-making than the traditional bureaucratic process allows.
The reshuffling comes as Nigeria's power generation remains unstable, with the national grid frequently struggling to meet demand. Distribution companies continue to record high technical and commercial losses, while many Nigerians still lack reliable electricity access. Renewable energy projects and grid modernisation efforts have progressed slowly, keeping the country dependent on ageing thermal plants and the Kainji and Shiroro hydroelectric stations.
Tegbe takes on the role as the government prepares to implement additional policy reforms in the energy sector. His appointment must be confirmed by the Senate before he can formally assume office. The power ministry portfolio has become one of the most challenging in government, requiring someone who can balance pressure from unions, investors, distribution companies, and consumers demanding better service.
Baralola's task force will likely focus on quick-win projects and identifying bottlenecks in the power value chain that can be addressed without lengthy legislative processes. His appointment suggests the government recognises that the ministry alone cannot solve the sector's deep-rooted problems.
Tegbe's background and previous experience in government or business will be crucial to how quickly he settles into the role and begins implementing any new initiatives. The Senate confirmation process could take weeks, during which time the interim arrangements will continue managing the portfolio.
