President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate implementation of a series of sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of his administration and fulfilling his promises to Nigerians. In a move to reinvigorate government operations, the President has greenlighted eight critical actions, which include the restructuring of ministries, reassignment of ministers, and new appointments.
Key among the changes is the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development, which will now oversee the activities of all Regional Development Commissions. These include the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development Commission, and the North West Development Commission. This move is designed to centralize oversight and boost regional development across the country.
In a notable shift, the Ministry of Sports Development has been disbanded, with its functions transferred to the newly restructured National Sports Commission. This decision aims to foster a more dynamic sports economy.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Tourism has been merged with the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to form the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This merger is intended to streamline operations and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and burgeoning creative industries.
Reassignment and New Appointments
President Tinubu also approved the reassignment of ten ministers to new portfolios, discharged five ministers, and nominated seven new ones, pending Senate confirmation.
The list of reassigned ministers includes:
1. Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu – from Minister of State for Education to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
2. Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa – from Minister of State for Health to Minister of Education.
3. Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo – from Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation to Minister of State for Works.
4. Hon. Abubakar Momoh – from Minister of Niger Delta Development to Minister of Regional Development.
5. Uba Maigari Ahmadu – from Minister of State for Steel Development to Minister of State for Regional Development.
6. Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite – from Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment to Minister of State for Finance.
7. Sen. John Owan Enoh – from Minister of Sports Development to Minister of State for Trade and Investment.
8. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim – from Minister of State for Police Affairs to Minister of Women Affairs.
9. Ayodele Olawande – from Minister of State for Youth Development to Minister for Youth Development.
10. Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye – from Minister of State for Environment to Minister of State for Health.
The five ministers discharged from their roles include Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development).
New Ministers Appointed
The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are:
1. Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
2. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi – Minister of Labour and Employment.
3. Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
4. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
5. Idi Mukhtar Maiha – Minister of Livestock Development.
6. Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata – Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.
7. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, PhD – Minister of State for Education.
President’s Charge to the New Ministers
President Tinubu expressed his appreciation to the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service to the nation and wished them success in their future endeavors. He also charged the newly appointed and reassigned ministers to view their positions as a call to serve Nigeria with dedication and integrity. The President emphasized the administration’s commitment to irreversible growth and urged the ministers to give their best efforts in driving the nation forward.
These changes are expected to bring renewed focus and dynamism to key areas of governance as the Tinubu administration continues its drive to implement critical reforms for the benefit of all Nigerians.
