Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting confirmation of several key ministerial and regulatory appointments in accordance with constitutional and statutory provisions.
The requests, which were read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, include the nomination of Mr Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“In compliance with the provisions of 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.”
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 nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate legislative consideration, assuring lawmakers that the Senate would act promptly in the spirit of executive-legislative cooperation.
Earlier, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga had confirmed Tegbe’s nomination, describing him as a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience across both public and private sectors. He noted that Tegbe previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation.
Onanuga also explained that the nomination follows the resignation of former minister Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue a governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a separate communication, Tinubu also sought Senate confirmation of Ambassador Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in line with Section 147(2) of the Constitution.
“In compliance with the provisions of 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 Amb. Olusola Enikanolaiye, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the request, adding: “Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.”
The Senate subsequently referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for urgent action.
In another correspondence, the President requested confirmation of Mr Rabiu Umar as 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.
“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).”
He added: “Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.”
The nomination was referred to the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas for further legislative action.
Lawmakers noted that all requests would receive expedited attention, citing the strategic importance of the petroleum regulatory sector to Nigeria’s economic stability and energy governance.
