Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a monumental shift aimed at enhancing government efficiency and fulfilling campaign promises, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved a sweeping restructuring of key ministries and ministerial portfolios.
Truth Live News gathered that the overhaul, effective immediately, includes renaming, mergers, new appointments, and reassignments, highlighting a renewed focus on regional development, sports, education, and the arts.
Key Changes Include:
The Ministry of Niger Delta Development has been renamed the Ministry of Regional Development. This ministry will now oversee the activities of all Regional Development Commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, South East Development Commission, North East Development Commission, and North West Development Commission. The restructuring aims to enhance cohesion in regional growth and development across the nation.
The Ministry of Sports Development has been dissolved, with its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission. This move is intended to cultivate a vibrant sports economy. Shehu Dikko has been appointed as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, emphasizing a renewed drive to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in sports.
The Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture have been merged to form the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This reflects a strategic effort to harness Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for economic growth.
President Tinubu has approved the reassignment of ten ministers to new portfolios to optimize their expertise. Among them:
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, previously Minister of State for Education, will now serve as the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, previously Minister of State for Health, has been reassigned as the Minister of Education.
Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, formerly Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, is now the Minister of State for Works.
Hon. Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh, who served as the Minister of Niger Delta Development, is now designated as the Minister of Regional Development, reflecting the ministry’s new scope.
Five ministers have been discharged, and seven new ministers have been nominated. The nominations will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, underscoring a strategic adjustment in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
In addition to Shehu Dikko’s appointment, Sunday Akin Dare has been appointed as the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation. He will work closely with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to streamline public engagement and communication strategies.
Implications: This restructuring marks one of the most significant cabinet reshuffles since the start of the Tinubu administration. The integration of regional development commissions under a unified ministry and the dissolution of the sports ministry signal a strategic shift toward more streamlined and focused governance. The President’s move to merge culture, tourism, and creative industries could also stimulate economic growth by promoting Nigerian culture on a global stage.
In a brief statement, President Tinubu emphasized that these changes are aligned with his administration’s vision to deliver on promises made to the Nigerian people. “This restructuring is a step towards ensuring that our ministries are well-positioned to deliver results and drive national development. It reflects our dedication to progress and the prosperity of all Nigerians,” he said.
Analysts predict that the changes, especially in the education and regional development sectors, may bring new opportunities for local communities, but will also come with the challenge of transitioning to new operational structures. The public will be keenly observing how swiftly and effectively these reforms are implemented.
