Joseph Tegbe: Seasoned technocrat positioned to drive Nigeria’s power sector

Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, a renowned civil engineer, has been nominated by Bola Tinubu as Minister of Power.

He currently serves as a Senior Partner and Head of the Technology Advisory Services and Markets of KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria.

Background

Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe was born on March 21, 1966, in Oyo Town, with ancestral roots in Ibadan, where he hails from the Jegede Compound in the Labo area.

His early education began at St Mary’s RCM School in Oyo before he proceeded to Federal Government College, Ogbomoso.

He later attended the University of Ife in Ile-Ife, where he graduated in 1988 with a First Class degree in Civil Engineering.

A national scholar and award-winning student, Tegbe built a strong academic reputation early in life.

He further sharpened his leadership and business skills at Lagos Business School, INSEAD, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and holds certification in Governance of Enterprise IT.

Career journey and professional experience

Tegbe has built a career spanning about three decades, largely within KPMG Professional Services, where he currently serves as Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets.

He also leads key portfolios across Africa, including cybersecurity, public sector advisory, and the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors under KPMG International.

His work experience covers a wide range of industries such as oil and gas, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, and development organisations.

Over the years, he has led and managed projects focused on institutional transformation, policy reforms, strategy development, and large-scale IT implementation across Africa.

Early career and industry exposure

Before his rise in consulting, Tegbe gained experience in tax advisory and audit, working with major local and multinational companies.

He also worked briefly with Shell Petroleum Development Company as Head of Materials Accounting between 1991 and 1992.

These early roles helped shape his expertise in finance, governance, and corporate systems.

Policy engagement and leadership roles

Beyond his corporate career, Tegbe is actively involved in policy and national development discussions.

He contributes to the Infrastructure and Human Capital Development Policy Commissions of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

He currently serves as Chairman of the National Council for Management Development and also chairs the Board of Trustees of the Unity Schools Old Students Association.

His roles reflect a continued commitment to leadership, education, and national development.

Personal life and philanthropy

Tegbe is a practising Christian of Anglican background and worships at the RCCG Jesus Embassy Parish in Victoria Garden City, Lagos.

He is married to Abimbola Tegbe, and the couple has two sons.

He is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Tegbe Foundation, which supports various non-profit and community development initiatives across Nigeria.

In addition, he is a member of social institutions such as the Ikoyi Club and Ibadan Recreation Club.

Nomination as Minister of Power

Bola Tinubu has nominated Tegbe as Minister of Power, a move disclosed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

The nomination, which is subject to Senate confirmation, places Tegbe at the centre of efforts to address challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, with expectations that his extensive experience in reform and technology will play a critical role.