Tinubu wrote to the Senate to confirm Tegbe, Enikanolaiye as ministers

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm the nominations of Sola Enikanolaiye as foreign minister, and Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Tinubu’s request, which was read out by Senate President Insha Allah Akpabio during the plenary session on Tuesday, was conveyed in a separate letter addressed to the Senate.

Citing Article 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to nominate ministers with the approval of the Senate, President Tinubu urged lawmakers to immediately consider the request.

The President also requested the confirmation of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In Enikanolaiye’s confirmation letter, Tinubu said the nomination was made in accordance with article 147(2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), and urged the senate to consider it.

The letter was referred to the committee of the whole for “urgent” legislative action.

If confirmed, Enikanolaiye will serve as Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a related communication, the President also asked the Senate to confirm Umar as Chief Executive of NMDPRA in accordance with the 2021 Petroleum Law.

Tinubu noted that the appointment follows the sacking of Saidu Mohammed as head of the regulatory body on April 29, which paved the way for Umar’s nomination.

Umar’s confirmation request was referred to the Senate downstream oil and gas committee for further legislative oversight.

Akpabio said the senate would expedite consideration of the request, considering the importance of the oil sector to the country’s economy.

He added that the screening and confirmation process would be completed in the next few days.