Toba Owojaiye Reporting
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment tennew Federal Ministries as well as reshuffled ministerial roles among the 45 appointees.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale made this known while speaking with journalists on the portfolios of ministerial Nominees.
According to him, as a result of these portfolio assignments, President Tinubu established, restructured a total of 10 ministries.
One of the newly created ministries is the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is appointed Minister of the new ministry which covers economic activities related to oceans and seas.
The World Bank defines the blue economy as the sustainable utilization of ocean resources to enhance economies, livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. The scope encompasses biotechnology, undersea cabling, coastal tourism, and renewable energy, among others.
Tunji-Ojo, the ministerial designate, holds degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of North London. He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives and participated in various committees.
Ministry of Tourism is another freshly established ministry, with Lola Ade-John as the designated minister. This ministry focuses on recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment while utilizing commercial service provisions. Ade-John, a banking and tech expert, studied Computer Science at the University of Ibadan and currently heads Novateur Business Technology Consultants, a company she founded in 2014.
Art, Culture and the Creative Economy were combined and is led by Hannatu Musawa. It encompasses artistic expression and cultural aspects along with creative economic sectors like advertising, design, fashion, film, music, and more. Musawa, with a degree in Law from the University of Buckingham, holds postgraduate degrees in marine affairs, oil and gas law. She previously held positions in political committees and was the Special Adviser to the President on Culture and Entertainment Economy.
Also, The ministry of Gas Resources has been separated from Petroleum Resources, acknowledging Nigeria’s significant gas reserves. Ekperikpe Ekpo, a former senatorial seat candidate and political figure, has been chosen as the Minister of State for Gas Resources. His role involves implementing policies focused on making Nigeria a gas-dependent nation for industrialization, power generation, clean cooking, and more.
Another newly created ministry is the Steel Development Ministry aimed enhancing the management of steel and metallic resources for economic growth. Shuaibu Audu, a seasoned executive director with an MBA from the University of Oxford and an MSC in international securities and investment banking, will work towards the improvement of steel-related resources.
The Finance and Coordinating Economy ministry, overseen by Wale Edun, is responsible for managing financial risks, exposures, loans, and supervising financial parastatals. Edun, a founder of Denham Management Limited, has a diverse background in economics, public finance, and corporate finance.
Social welfare and health ministries which were combined is to be managed by Professor Ali Pate. Pate’s background includes extensive experience in public health leadership and global health initiatives.
Festus Keyamo is the minister in charge of Aviation and Aerospace Development. This ministry covers aviation operations and advancements in aerospace technology and engineering.
Abubakar Momoh leads the Ministry of Youth Development, which focuses on harnessing the potential of Nigerian youth for national progress.
Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is to be headed by Betta Edu, the former national women leader of APC. This ministry designs and coordinates humanitarian policies and poverty alleviation measures to uplift vulnerable communities.
President Tinubu’s allocation of portfolios reflects a deliberate effort to address various sectors and challenges within Nigeria’s governance, the President’s aid noted.
“These new and restructured ministries aim to drive economic growth, social welfare, and sustainable development across the nation.”