President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in two new members of the Federal Executive Council in a move that further reshapes his administration ahead of the 2027 political season. The ceremony, which took place at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saw Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe take the oath of office as the new Minister of Power, while Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye was inaugurated as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior government officials, cabinet members, family members of the appointees and top presidential aides. The event marked another significant step in the ongoing restructuring of the Federal Executive Council following the resignation of several ministers who left office to pursue elective political positions ahead of the All Progressives Congress primaries.
The appointments became necessary after former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stepped down from their positions to seek political offices in their respective states. Their departures created vacancies in key sectors of the government, prompting President Tinubu to nominate replacements in order to maintain continuity in governance and policy implementation...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Joseph Tegbe now assumes responsibility for one of the most critical ministries in the country at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in electricity generation, transmission and distribution. Expectations are high that his leadership will help accelerate ongoing reforms aimed at improving power supply, attracting investment into the energy sector and addressing the long-standing issues that have hindered economic growth and industrial development.
Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on the other hand, takes over as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs after previously serving as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. A seasoned diplomat with decades of experience in Nigeria’s foreign service, Enikanolaiye is expected to bring a wealth of expertise to the ministry as the country seeks to strengthen its diplomatic engagements, expand international partnerships and advance its foreign policy objectives.
Enikanolaiye’s appointment is particularly significant given his extensive career in diplomacy. Having spent more than three decades in Nigeria’s foreign service, he rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before retiring from active service. His experience in international relations is expected to complement the work of the ministry as Nigeria navigates increasingly complex regional and global challenges.
The two ministers were originally nominated by President Tinubu in May and subsequently screened and confirmed by the Senate. Their formal inauguration completes the constitutional process required for them to assume full ministerial responsibilities and participate in the activities of the Federal Executive Council.
The latest appointments form part of a broader cabinet reorganization that has taken place in recent months. Several changes have been made within the administration following the resignation of ministers with political ambitions and the President’s decision to reposition key ministries for improved performance. Earlier adjustments included changes within the finance and housing sectors as the government sought to align its cabinet with evolving national priorities.
Political analysts have interpreted the development as evidence of the administration’s determination to maintain stability within government despite the growing political activities ahead of the next election cycle. With preparations for future elections already influencing political calculations across the country, the President appears focused on ensuring that vacancies created by political resignations do not disrupt governance or slow the implementation of key policies.
The appointments also come at a time when Nigerians are demanding improved performance from government institutions, particularly in sectors such as power, infrastructure, foreign affairs and economic management. Many observers believe the new ministers will face immediate pressure to deliver results and justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and the National Assembly.
For the power sector, stakeholders are looking forward to fresh strategies that can address persistent electricity shortages and improve energy access for households and businesses. Similarly, in the foreign affairs ministry, expectations remain high for stronger diplomatic engagement capable of advancing Nigeria’s interests on the continental and global stage.
As the newly inaugurated ministers settle into their roles, attention will now shift to how effectively they can contribute to the administration’s agenda and respond to the challenges facing their respective sectors. Their appointments signal President Tinubu’s continued effort to strengthen his cabinet and maintain momentum in governance as his administration enters another crucial phase.
With Joseph Tegbe and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye now officially inducted into the Federal Executive Council, the government hopes the new additions will bring fresh ideas, experience and leadership to two strategically important ministries that play vital roles in Nigeria’s development and international standing.
