• Ministry of Niger Delta Development rebranded Regional Development
• Ministry of Sports Development wound up
• Tourism and Arts Ministries Merged: New Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy
• 5 Ministers sacked; 10 Ministers reassigned; 7 new Ministers nominated
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle aimed at enhancing governmental efficiency has announced significant changes to Nigeria's federal ministries, including the sacking of five ministers.
According to a detailed press statement from the presidency today, this restructuring aligns with his commitment to revitalizing the administration's capacity to deliver on promises made to Nigerians.
Among the notable changes, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development has been rebranded as the Ministry of Regional Development. This new ministry will oversee several Regional Development Commissions, including the Niger Delta, South East, North East, and North West Development Commissions. This move reflects a broader strategy to consolidate efforts across regions and streamline development initiatives.
The President also approved the winding up of the Ministry of Sports Development, transferring its functions to the National Sports Commission. This transition is expected to foster a more vibrant sports economy, consolidating resources under a single umbrella for improved oversight.
Further streamlining efforts include the merger of the Federal Ministries of Tourism and Arts and Culture into the newly created Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This merger is designed to enhance collaboration and promote cultural initiatives while boosting tourism.
In total, ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, a strategic move to reposition the administration's priorities. These include:
Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, formerly Minister of State for Education, now oversees Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, previously Minister of State for Health, transitions to Minister of Education.
Also, Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo shifts from Minister of State for Water Resources to Minister of State for Works.
Five ministers were discharged as part of this reorganization, including:
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).
In addition, seven new ministers have been nominated for Senate confirmation, signaling a renewed focus on critical sectors:
Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda takes the helm of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi leads Labour and Employment. Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu is appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole is now Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Others include: Idi Mukhtar Maiha to oversee the newly introduced Ministry of Livestock Development. Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is appointed Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Suwaiba Said Ahmad PhD takes charge as Minister of State for Education.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing ministers for their service and emphasized the urgency for newly appointed and reassigned ministers to act decisively. He underscored that their appointments are a call to serve the nation and to advance the administration’s goals for sustainable growth.
This cabinet reshuffle reflects a strategic pivot in Nigeria's governance, with an emphasis on efficiency, collaboration, and a holistic approach to regional development as the country seeks to navigate its path toward economic resilience and growth.
