Tinubu Appoints Tegbe as Director-General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s cooperation with China, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership. This key appointment follows Tinubu’s visit to China in early September, where both nations strengthened their bilateral ties.

Tegbe, a first-class civil engineering graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University (1988), is set to play a pivotal role in actualizing the agreements reached during the President’s visit. Reporting directly to Tinubu, Tegbe’s immediate responsibility includes submitting a comprehensive strategic action plan designed to maximize the benefits of the partnership between the two countries.

According to a statement released by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tegbe will oversee the implementation of several high-impact projects aimed at advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure, technology, and healthcare. He will also coordinate efforts to align the partnership’s objectives with Nigeria’s broader development goals.

The Nigeria-China partnership, formalized during Tinubu’s visit, includes agreements on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating industrial parks. It also features collaboration on healthcare, with Chinese medical professionals set to assist in improving Nigeria’s healthcare system, as well as partnerships in education, talent development, and agriculture.

As the lead figure in this strategic alliance, Tegbe will monitor key performance indicators for each initiative, ensuring that deliverables are met within set timelines. His extensive experience in business strategy, having served as a senior partner at KPMG Africa and advised numerous Fortune 500 companies and African governments, positions him well for the role.

President Xi Jinping of China also pledged $51 billion in new financing for African countries, as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This support will fund infrastructure projects and job creation, with Nigeria standing to benefit significantly under Tegbe’s leadership.

At 58, Tegbe brings over 35 years of experience in strategic planning and international investment, having previously led investment initiatives across countries like China, India, and Singapore. His appointment signals a renewed focus on driving Nigeria’s economic diversification and infrastructural growth through global partnerships.