Tinubu appoints Joseph Tegbe as DG of China-Nigeria partnership

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as director-general and global liaison for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership.

Earlier in the month, during Tinubu’s state visit to Beijing, Nigeria and China signed deals aimed at broadening their economic cooperation.

In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, said Tegbe will lead the day-to-day operations of the partnership and engage with the Chinese counterparts to ensure that all deliverables are met.

The presidential spokesperson said Tegbe will submit a strategic action plan to enable Nigeria benefit from the agreements between both countries.

Onanuga said Tegbe will report directly to the president as the two countries plan to improve Nigeria’s agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, technology transfer and investment in sustainable farming techniques.

“In the strategic plan, he will outline the specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators for each area of cooperation. This will include priority projects, projected investments and expected socioeconomic outcomes,” Onanuga said.

“At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping pledged 360 billion yuan, or about $51 billion, in new financing to African nations in the next three years. He also pledged support for 30 infrastructure projects to boost connectivity across the continent and create one million jobs.

“During his official visit before the FOCAC, President Tinubu also obtained a commitment from President Xi to support Nigeria’s economic diversification plans, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation.

“Nigeria and China, among others, agreed to collaborate on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating new industrial parks.

“The two countries committed to establishing hospital alliances and collaborating on medical research. Under the agreement, Chinese healthcare professionals will be deployed to support Nigeria’s healthcare system.”

After his education at the Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Tegbe proceeded to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where he graduated with a first-class degree in civil engineering in 1988.

Tegbe, 58, had about 35 years of experience in business strategy.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

He was the senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG in Africa, with a portfolio and responsibilities that included the Middle East.

He has worked for many Fortune 500 companies and African conglomerates, advising on strategic planning, investment, and portfolio reviews.

He also led subnational governments, such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, and Bayelsa, in investment drives to South Africa, Denmark, China, India, Singapore, and the UAE.