In a significant move aimed at enhancing government efficiency and fulfilling his promises to Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate implementation of eight key actions.
The changes are designed to streamline the administration and refocus ministerial responsibilities for optimal performance across various sectors.
One of the most notable actions is the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development. This newly established ministry will oversee the activities of all Regional Development Commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development Commission, and the North West Development Commission.
The Ministry of Sports Development has also been dissolved, with its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission. This shift aims to create a vibrant sports economy under the leadership of Shehu Dikko, who has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Sports Commission. In addition, Sunday Akin Dare has been named Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, working through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Ministerial Reassignments and Appointments
In a bid to maximize efficiency within the cabinet, ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios. The reassignments are as follows:
- Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu moves from Minister of State, Education to Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
- Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa is reassigned from Minister of State, Health to Minister of Education.
- Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo transitions from Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation to Minister of State, Works.
- Hon. Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh, formerly Minister of Niger Delta Development, now takes on the role of Minister of Regional Development.
- Uba Maigari Ahmadu, previously Minister of State, Steel Development, will now serve as Minister of State, Regional Development.
- Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite moves from Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to Minister of State, Finance.
- Sen. John Owan Enoh, the former Minister of Sports Development, has been reassigned to Minister of State, Trade and Investment.
- Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, previously Minister of State, Police Affairs, now assumes the position of Minister of Women Affairs.
- Ayodele Olawande transitions from Minister of State, Youth Development to Minister for Youth Development.
- Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye moves from Minister of State, Environment to Minister of State, Health.
Ministers Discharged
Five ministers have been relieved of their duties in the cabinet reshuffle:
- Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs.
- Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism.
- Prof. Tahir Mamman SAN OON, Minister of Education.
- Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development.
- Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.
New Ministerial Appointments
President Tinubu has nominated seven new ministers, pending Senate confirmation, to fill key roles in his administration. The new appointments are:
- Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
- Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment.
- Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
- Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
- Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development.
- Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development.
- Suwaiba Said Ahmad, PhD, Minister of State, Education.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours. He also urged the newly appointed and reassigned ministers to see their roles as a call to serve the nation, stressing the administration’s determination to set Nigeria on a path to irreversible growth.