Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated a long-anticipated cabinet reshuffle, nominating seven new ministers for Senate confirmation in a bid to enhance the effectiveness of his administration.
Truth Live News gathered that among the notable nominations is Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has been proposed as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The move marks a significant step in the President’s ongoing efforts to streamline government operations and optimize ministerial efficiency.
In this major shake-up, the President has not only nominated new faces but also reassigned 10 existing ministers to new portfolios and terminated the appointments of five others. This restructuring aims to align ministerial functions with the administration’s vision of regional development, economic growth, and improved public service delivery.
Key Nominations and Reassignments:
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s nomination as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is seen as a strategic choice, reflecting Tinubu’s intent to enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, particularly in global trade and regional relations. Other nominees include:
Nentawe Yilwatda, nominated as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, succeeding the suspended Betta Edu. His appointment indicates a focus on addressing the nation’s humanitarian challenges and poverty alleviation.
Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, set to take over crucial responsibilities in job creation and labor relations.
Jumoke Oduwole, who has been put forward as Minister of Industry, emphasizing the administration’s aim to boost industrial development.
Idi Maiha, designated for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development, which signals a drive to enhance the agricultural sector and promote economic diversification.
Yusuf Ata, nominated as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, reflecting efforts to tackle the nation’s housing deficit.
Suwaiba Ahmad, proposed as Minister of State for Education, tasked with supporting the sector’s transformation.
Ministers Reassigned: The reshuffle also included significant reassignments, as President Tinubu approved the re-designation of 10 ministers to new portfolios. Among them:
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, moving from Minister of State for Education to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, from Minister of State for Health to Minister of Education, a change that aligns with the ongoing focus on educational reform.
Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, formerly of Water Resources and Sanitation, now Minister of State for Works.
Hon. Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh, transitioning from Minister of Niger Delta Development to Minister of Regional Development, reflecting the expanded scope of the ministry’s oversight.
Outgoing Ministers: The reshuffle has also seen the departure of five ministers, whose tenures were terminated as part of the realignment:
Uju-Ken Ohanenye, formerly in charge of Women Affairs.
Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, whose portfolio has now been merged with Arts and Culture.
Tahir Mamman, previously Minister of Education.
Abdullahi Gwarzo, who served as Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Jamila Ibrahim, who was Minister of Youth Development.
The overhaul signifies one of the most comprehensive cabinet realignments of the Tinubu administration. Key moves include the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development, tasked with overseeing various Regional Development Commissions. This consolidation aims to enhance coordinated regional growth, unifying the efforts of development commissions across the Niger Delta, Southeast, Northeast, and Northwest regions.
The dissolution of the Ministry of Sports Development and transfer of its functions to the National Sports Commission, now led by Shehu Dikko, illustrates a commitment to fostering a robust sports economy. The merging of the ministries of Tourism, Arts, and Culture into the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy demonstrates a focus on utilizing cultural assets for economic development.
President Tinubu’s Vision: In a statement following the announcement, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering on promises made to Nigerians. “This reshuffle is part of our ongoing efforts to streamline governance, ensure efficient service delivery, and drive national development. We are committed to building a government that works for all,” he said.
As Nigeria looks ahead, the reshuffle reflects President Tinubu’s strategy of bringing in fresh faces while repositioning existing officials to address critical sectors. The new nominations will be sent to the Senate for confirmation.