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Governors, ministers form performance coalition

The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), members of the Federal Executive Council (FCE) and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday resolved to work towards achieving greater economic development for the country through the implementation on the on-going bold reforms.

They ignited hope about a brighter future for Nigeria, pointing out that the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s rating of economic performance has vindicated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.

PGF Chairman and Governor of Imo State, who spoke after the meeting of the governors, ministers and party officers in Abuja, said the president has silenced the opposition by his impressive performance.

It was the first brainstorming session involving the heads of sub-nationals, ministers and the party leadership, signifying the fortifications of inter-governmental relations and strengthening of government/party ties.

According to sources, leaders at the session resolved to build on the collaboration to foster understanding between the Federal Government and states.

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Discussions at the parley focused on how to tackle the opposition onslaught and propaganda deployed to paint the administration in the bad light, despite its giant strides across the sectors.

The meeting resolved to embark on aggressive projection of the achievements recorded in the strategic sectors, to counter the twisting of facts and figures by critics.

In particular, ministers are now mandated to engage their respective constituencies by explaining to them the giant strides of the administration and projections for the nearest future.

Also, the sub-nationals are to forge a synergy with the President in the battle against insecurity through novel support systems and the mobilisation of community resources critical to intelligence gathering.

Uzodinma said that despite the initial criticism of the President’s reform policies, the assessment of the performance indicators showed that he is on the right path.

Shedding light on the motivation for the meeting, he said: “You know at the beginning of this administration, when the President started with the reforms, the opposition was very loud in criticizing the policies of the government.

“But today, Mr. President is being vindicated. Gradually, international organizations like World Bank, IMF, are now beginning to commend the administration of President Bola Tinubu for taking bold decisions on embarking on a reform-driven government.”

Uzodinma highlighted the President’s focus and resilience, noting that he never allowed his administration to be distracted by the antics of the opposition.

He assured the President Tinubu and the ruling party that the governors would continue to garner the support of Nigerians for the administration to propel the country towards development and prosperity.

The PGF Chairman said the governors had resolved to coordinate and encourage party members to support the administration in its bid to erect lasting legacies.

Uzodimma said: “We have a responsibility as a party to provide support for the administration of this courageous and bold man (Tinubu) who has come to serve Nigeria.”

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria is undergoing transformation under the administration.

He added: “We feel happy to say that the government of APC has done so well. We have a lot to showcase. And we have all agreed that leading up to the midpoint of this administration, we will enlighten Nigerians more about what government is doing.

“We will also take feedback from Nigerians so that we can do even better. The APC family is a very big one. And it is not out of place for all of us to come together once again to look at what we have done in the last two years and project also where we are going in the future.

“We are happy with where we are going. We know that there have been some challenges here and there, but we also know that we are in the right direction and God willing, Nigeria will get on for it.

At the meeting were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), Mohammed Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and Usman Ododo (Kogi).

The NWC was led by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Other ministers at the meeting are Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) (Justice and Attorney-General) and Festus Keyamo (SAN) (Aviation and Aerospace Development).

May 16, 2025
Governors, ministers, others preach hope to Nigerians

Governors and ministers yesterday urged Nigerians to be hopeful as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tackles the challenges facing the country through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

They also urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to always show love, compassion, and tolerance as exemplified by Jesus Christ, whose birth is being celebrated globally today.

In their separate Christmas messages, the governors and ministers also stressed the need for Nigerians to pray for the peace.

Governors Dapo Abiodun,(Ogun),, Seyi Makinde, Bassey Otu(Cross River), and Caleb Mutfwang(Plateau). The ministers were Nyesom Wike( Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Adebayo Adelabu(Power), and Iziaq Salako (Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare) congratulated Nigerians for witnessing another Christmas.

Prominent leaders who also felicitated Nigerians included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, erstwhile Labour, and Employment Minister Chris Ngige; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Director-General Temitope Ilori.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa also rejoiced with troops, whom he praised for their resilience in the anti-terrorism war.

Abiodun called on Nigerians to look beyond the present economic challenges and be optimistic about a better tomorrow.

He admonished Ogun State residents to be tolerant of others with different religious beliefs.

Emphasing the need for all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the growth and development of the country, Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to improving the living standards of Ogun people.

He said: “As we celebrate this special season in moderation, let us all have it at the back of our mind that the present economic challenges facing our nation are ephemeral and there is a bigger picture of hope ahead.

“We must support all the reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu towards the revitalisation of our hitherto weak economy and ensure prosperity.

“This is not rocket science as we have begun to see its positive impacts in all sectors,”

Makinde called on Christians to use the Christmas season to pray for the state and Nigeria.

Makinde, who prayed for those mourning the loss of their relatives at a children’s funfair in Ibadan last week, advised people celebrating Christmas to do so responsibly.

He urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies through the State Emergency Number 615.

Makinde said: “I wish all Christians and residents of Oyo State a Merry Christmas.

“Christmas presents another opportunity to spread love and to make supplications for our state and our country.

“We should remember those mourning the loss of their children in the recent stampede and pray that God will console them and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I also urge residents of the state to be observant and vigilant at this period. They should report any suspicion to security agencies through 615.

“As we always say, if you see something, say something and the government will do something. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.”

In Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Governor Bassey Otu urged Nigerians to spread love, kindness, and unity in communities as they celebrate the season.

He acknowledged the economic challenges confronting residents of the state, assuring that his administration is planting seeds for an economic turnaround.’’

His words: “We are planting seeds for economic turnaround and significant progress in our state and country.”

Otu assured that sustained governmental policies will yield positive results in the coming year.’’

He also highlighted the importance of unity and love in overcoming challenges.

In his message, Governor Mutfwang called on Christians to embody the values of love, kindness, and generosity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

He also called on residents to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of the state and Nigeria.

Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang congratulating the people for witnessing the season of joy and happiness.

“It is with profound joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to you as we celebrate the glorious occasion of Christmas,’ he said in a statement by his spokesman   Gyang Bere.

Mutfwang added: “Christmas is a season of love, selflessness, and generosity. It is a time to embrace unity, share with those in need, and renew our commitment to building bridges of understanding and reconciliation.

“I sincerely pray that this season inspires us to work together for peace, uplift one another, and foster the virtues that strengthen our communities.’’

Former Vice-President Abubakar implored Nigerians to be guided by compassion and selflessness.

He urged them to cherish the significance of Christmas as a time for reflection and togetherness.

Atiku also urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to express gratitude for the season despite the many challenges confronting the nation.

He said: “It is a blessing that we can once again celebrate the events leading to the birth of Christ, despite the adversity we face.”

Urging political leaders to make the necessary sacrifices for the nation’s collective good, Atiku also appealed to Nigerians to remain united and embrace one another with love.

“With love and unity, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. Let us, therefore, come together to share love and joy with all people of goodwill,” he added.

Wike urged residents of the FCT to rededicate themselves to God and be law -abiding.

“Since Jesus Christ whose birth is the reason for the celebration of Christmas obeyed the commandments of God, Christians, too, must keep the commandments, especially by showing love to people around us and teaching others to do the same,” Wike said.

His admonition was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.

The minister said “with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, things will keep getting better.”

Read Also: Yuletide: First Lady urges Nigerians to embrace hope, unity

Wike congratulated FCT residents ‘’for the grace of celebrating another Christmas.’’

He prayed that God to celebrate the season would also ‘’ensure that we all celebrate many more Christmases in good health.’’

The minister also sympathised ‘’with families of victims of the recent stampede in Abuja’’.

Power Minister Adelabu called on Christians and Nigerians to emulate the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

He also urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the betterment of fellow Nigerians and the country by reflecting on the sacrifice Jesus made to redeem humanity.

Adelabu assured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the dividends of democracy.

He said: “On this occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, this is to wish our Christian brothers and sisters a wonderful celebration.

“Let us all reflect on the sacrifice that the Saviour of the World, made by becoming a mere mortal, in other to redeem us of our sins.

“We are encouraged by this huge and monumental sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to also key into this sacrifice, in giving our support to the economic reforms by President   Tinubu.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Isiak Salako, advised Nigerians to expect a better life next year because of the reforms of President   Tinubu.

He also urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the government as it tackles the challenges.

Salako gave the encouragement while distributing rice and fertiliser as well as offering medical services in Ayetoro, headquarters of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He said: “On the ground, we have 1,300 bags of rice and 600 bags of fertiliser. Our party members are benefiting 30 percent of the palliatives, and then the market women, whose coordinator is the Iyaloja will also benefit. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Communities will not be left out.

“We will also reach out to individual leaders in the five LGs. Our Baales and traditional rulers are also beneficiaries. What we have done is to at least ensure that representatives of the identified groups are on the ground to receive on behalf of their members.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland urged Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ.

The attributes, according to the monarch, include love, forgiveness, provision for the needy, tolerance, and peace.

Oba   Olakulehin’s message was given at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

Stressing the need to love one another, the monarch stated that lack of genuine love amongst citizens was ‘’the bane of our society and indeed the world. ‘’

He stressed the need for a Christ-driven love across the world in order to eliminate all the vices and injustice pervading in the society.

Fayemi urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better nation despite the challenges of the past year.

The former governor, in a statement by his media office, described the season as a time for hope, renewal, and reflection.

He highlighted the importance of looking back on the country’s struggles and determining to forge ahead.

“The past year has tested our national resilience,” Fayemi, a former chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, noted.

He added “We have confronted economic difficulties, security concerns, and social upheavals that have left many struggling to make ends meet. Yet, amid these challenges, the strength, resourcefulness, and enduring spirit of Nigerians have continued to shine brightly.”

He called on Nigerians to embrace the message of Christmas—love, compassion, and sacrifice—and draw inspiration from the sacrifices of Jesus Christ by becoming their brother’s keeper and supporting the vulnerable members of our communities..

Ngige, a one time governor of Anambra State, called for prayer for the nation to overcome all its challenges.

According to him, the holiness and solemnity of Christmas also offer an opportunity for quiet reflection by Nigerians on their individual lives and the future of the nation.

Ngige described Christ as good news worth celebrating globally and year after year, regardless of the challenges confronting humanity.

According to him, notwithstanding that Jesus Christ was born under humble circumstances, he remained a phenomenal figure in the history of Christendom and humanity in general.

The former minister urged Christians to emulate Christ and use the period of His birth to show care, compassion, and love to others, especially the less privileged in the society.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) called on all Nigerians to prioritise their health during the holiday.

NACA Director General (DG) Ilori, who said Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, stressed thatit also presents an opportunity to make informed and responsible decisions about one’s health.

“We urge everyone to take advantage of the free and confidential HIV testing services available across the country,” Ilori said in a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Toyin Aderibigbe.

CDS praises troops’ resilience in anti-terrorism war

CDS Musa urged members of the Armed Forces to use the Christmas period for reflection on the immeasurable love of God for them and members of their families.

Gen.Musa also enjoined them ‘’to ensure the year 2025 is defined by positive changes in the security narratives in all our theatres of operations.”

To other Nigerians, the CDS said they should continue to abide by the teachings of love, forgiveness, and togetherness as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS noted that the birth of Jesus Christ heralded good tidings and hope to the hopeless.

The statement reads : “The CDS noted that the year has been eventful, dotted with few incidents. Despite all these, Almighty God has been gracious and merciful unto us as we are alive to witness another Christmas celebration.

“We do remember with a heavy heart that some of our colleagues who started the year with us, lost their lives in the process of keeping our nation safe from all forms of insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors.

“As a mark of respect to our colleagues who paid the supreme price, the CDS urged our troops to ensure the year 2025 is defined by positive changes in the security narratives in all our theatres of operations.”    Gen. Musa also acknowledged troops’ resilience, and their will to fight in various theatres of operations across the nation.

He saluted their ‘’courage and sacrifices in securing the lives and prosperity of our dear country,’’ and assured that the Armed Forces would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

December 25, 2024
Ministers and the figurative Roman gladiator games’ audience

When he return to the country on Saturday evening, he resumed work immediately. That does mean he has not been working all the while he was out of the country on vacation, at least those who announced his plans before he left for the United Kingdom (UK) were careful to qualify the nature of his holiday. Mr Bayo Onanuga, in his statement announcing the President’s departure, said he was going for “a two-week working vacation”. Wherever he was, he was still on duty, only not at his desk inside the State House in Abuja. He definitely went with files and other things he would need to ‘keep the table cleared’ and most importantly, he was with his mobile phone.

While abroad and many people back home, especially those that are not really positive about him and his administration, President Tinubu was busy working on building another durable legacy for the people he has sworn to serve, repeating the Lagos feat and institutionalising his philosophy of sustainable development, cementing and firming up institutions, deploying all available resources, whether home-grown or foreign-sourced. How did I come to the conclusion that he was working to achieve these goals, even while abroad? I will break it down for you.

At least, it is established that it was planned as a working vacation and he was not just out there, lounging on the porch of one Riviera holiday home, sipping pina colada. He was busy, working with those he believes have answers to some of our questions as a nation. If you need further confirmation, just recall a revelation by his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Kabir Masari. The aide had visited the President in the UK on October 11, had discussions with him and they both, after discussions, “departed for Paris, France, for another important engagement”.

Now that he has gotten back to his desk, the first day in the office was as eventful as it could be expected. Right from when he entered the office, it was from one meeting to the other. The movements gave all the clues to what was going on at that time; most of those he met were either those who have roles to play in shoring up the economy or those with political and output evaluation tasks.

From the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, who doubles as Special Adviser to the President on Revenue; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who came with the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa; the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

Sighting the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and head of Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, gave the most vivid clue to what might be happening soon, either during the week or the coming one.

Long before the President went on his brief break, there had been that premonition that he might be shaking his team up soon. Bala Usman is the one tasked with grading and measuring the performances of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and now that the President is back and she happened to be one of the first callers at the Villa, then there started those hush-hush whispers about a possible cabinet reshuffle, most likely during the week.

Tuesday came and passed like some others before it. Then on Wednesday, it was the FEC meeting, which had almost all members of cabinet in attendance, save for a few who were said to either be out of the country on national assignment or had other reasons not to attend.

For instance, Vice President Kashim Shettima left the country for a diplomatic/investment drive engagement to Sweden, from where he headed to the United States, enroute Samoa, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Also not at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Ministers who survived sack, redeployment

Usually, the FEC holds its meetings for hours, two, three hours, some other times for extended periods, but this last Wednesday’s meeting was a very short one, like a few minutes less than an hour. Before Ministers started leaving the Council Chambers where the meeting held, the news already filtered out; President Tinubu has reshuffled his cabinet, resulting in relieving five ministers of their offices, reassigning ten to new offices and seven new persons nominated to be appointed as ministers.

He also restructured two ministries; Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development is now Federal Ministry of Regional Development, the Federal Ministry of Tourism is now merged with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to become Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. He wound the Ministry of Sports Development up and transferred its functions to the National Sports Commission (NSC) in order to develop a vibrant sports economy.

So he eventually gave the “Roman Gladiator games’ audience” the blood they have longed to see spilled. Many have demanded for sack of ministers. Right from the start of the administration, without considering what the circumstances around some of those offices are or giving credit for whatever the individual ministers might have put into serving the nation. Even when technology has shrunken time and space and it has laid how the world runs bare, because if you want to sincerely compare your experience with those in some other climes, it is just a matter of internet connectivity.

The internet has made it possible for us to know that today’s world is going through one of the most trying seasons, resulting from a number of global happenings, the devastating COVID-19 pandemic being a chief reason. But again, a friend once said hunger kills reason and that is one of the reasons why a hungry man is said to be an angry man.

Long story short, five members of FEC, until last Wednesday; Barr Uju-Ken Ohanenye, former Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism; Prof Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth Development, all became the Gladiator games audience’s booty.

Meanwhile, the figurative description of the reality that played out on Wednesday does not in any way mean that the sack or removal from office of the ministers was not justified, as a matter of fact, without the call or chorus of those who always believe they know better than public office holders and are perpetually criticizing and fanning dissent, President Tinubu would have still done what he had set to do from the onset. He informed the ministers during the administration’s first Cabinet Retreat on November 1, 2023, that he would spare nothing in his efforts to achieve success at straighten Nigeria out and set it on the path of growth and development, nothing including removing any official who will fail to meet set targets.

“But you are there to help me succeed. Success, I must achieve, by all means necessary. At the end of this retreat, you’re going to sign a bond of understanding between you, the ministers, the permanent secretaries, and myself. If you are performing, nothing to fear; if you miss the objective, we’ll review; if there is no performance, you leave us. No one is an island, and the buck stops on my desk. I assure you, you have a free hand. You must be intellectually inquisitive to ask how, why, when, and why it must be immediate. You have the responsibility to serve the people. I’ve taken a young lady, very dynamic, Hadiza Balla Usman, to head that delivery unit. If you have any complaints about her, see me. If you’re ready to work with her, stay there. Delivery, yes! We must achieve it for the sake of millions of our people”, he told them back then, so sack was not beyond any of the minister’s expectation.

Then on Thursday the President put his money where his mouth is; he declared a Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms in Nigeria open. This is one of the untapped resources that Nigeria has left dormant for ages, which he promised he will activate for Nigeria’s prosperity. This is an ambitious initiative to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a thriving commercial industry. Speaking at the event, Tinubu emphasized the sector’s critical role in the country’s development.

Nigeria’s livestock sector, a potential N33 trillion industry, has long been hampered by subsistence-level production, resulting in significant imports of dairy products, between $1.2 to $1.5 billion annually. However, with its vast land resources and large population, the country has immense potential for growth. Tinubu’s vision is to create a vibrant industry that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides decent jobs. To achieve this, his administration will focus on infrastructure development, policy reforms, and attracting foreign investment.

The Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, co-chaired by Attahiru Jega, has been praised for its dedication and commitment to the project. State governments, farmers, herders, and investors are expected to collaborate closely to drive growth. Key objectives of the initiative include increasing domestic dairy production, reducing imports, and stimulating economic growth. Tinubu’s commitment to livestock development is part of his broader agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy and ensure food security.

Industry experts have hail the move as a significant step towards unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria can become a major player in the global livestock industry, providing prosperity for its people and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Then Friday presented the most dramatic of the optics of the week; President Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has seized every opportunity to attack Tinubu and his administration. These men were caught on camera, in handshake. Ononuga made it simpler further by writing “President Tinubu met an old friend”, though now a political opponent. They met at the National Mosque at the Jumat Service, which hosted the wedding of the daughter of a common associate of both men, Senator Danjuma Goje.

If I did not pick any message from that encounter, I picked the fact that politicians, whatever side they find themselves, remain friends and kin of a class; the political class and if I do not belong there, no need to pick sides. Their fight is never ‘skin deep’, why should I cry more than the bereaved? There is something called political maturity, which both men exhibited at the mosque. As we learn from our political idols, we should learn that part from them too.

October 27, 2024
FULL LIST: 22 sacked, suspended Ministers in Nigeria from 1999 – 2024

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu sacked five Ministers in a major restructuring aimed at improving government operations.

The sack was disclosed in a statement by the presidency after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

Since the return to civilian rule in Nigeria in 1999, numerous Ministers have been dismissed from their positions across various administrations.

One notable aspect of this political theater has been the sudden dismissal of ministers across various administrations.

In some cases, ministers were effectively pressured to resign without formal announcements.

From Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Yar’Adua to Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and now Bola Tinubu, each administration has seen its share of ministerial departures.

While some ministers faced removal due to involvement in scandals, others simply became casualties of cabinet reshuffles.

These officials held diverse roles before their exits, contributing to the ever-changing dynamics of Nigerian politics.

Below is a comprehensive list of notable ministerial sackings since 1999 till date:

1. Barth Nnaji – Minister of Power, forced to resign in 2012 amid allegations regarding the bidding process for the sale of Afam Power Plant.

2. Michael Aondoakaa – Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, removed in 2010 under controversial circumstances by then-acting President Goodluck Jonathan.

3. Fabian Osuji – Minister of Education, dismissed in March 2005 due to corruption allegations involving bribery to the National Assembly.

4. Stella Oduah – Minister of Aviation, sacked in February 2014 over corruption scandals related to the purchase of luxury vehicles for her ministry.

5. Prof. Adenike Grange – Minister of Health, resigned amid a scandal involving a N300 million fraud case in 2008.

6. Sabo Nanono – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, sacked on September 1, 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari during a cabinet reshuffle.

7. Saleh Mamman – Minister of Power, dismissed alongside Nanono in September 2021 as part of a cabinet shake-up.

8. Caleb Olubolade – Minister of Police Affairs, removed in 2014 to allow him to pursue gubernatorial ambitions in Ekiti State.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Ministers who survived sack, redeployment

9. Godsday Orubebe – Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, sacked in 2015 to enable his run for Delta State governorship.

10. Yerima Ngama – Minister of State for Finance, dismissed in 2014 after announcing his gubernatorial ambitions in Yobe State.

11. Shamsudeen Usman – Former Minister of National Planning, removed during a cabinet reshuffle in 2014.

12. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai – Education Minister, sacked in 2013 after failing to resolve ongoing strikes by academic unions.

13. Amal Iyingiala Pepple – Minister of Housing, dismissed in September 2013 during a significant cabinet overhaul by President Jonathan.

14. Bukar Tijani – Sacked from his ministerial position in September 2013 after serving from July 2011.

15. Olusola Obada – Former Minister of State for Defence, removed during a major reshuffle in September 2013.

16. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi – Served as Minister of State for Power and Niger Delta Affairs; inadvertently sacked during a cabinet meeting in September 2013.

17. Betta Edu – Embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu was suspended over alleged money laundering.

Edu was under heavy criticism after a memo surfaced where she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

The instructions for the payment are contained in a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023.

Edu didn’t deny paying N585m into a private account. In defence, the Minister claimed the payment followed due process.

18. Uju Kennedy – Recently served as Minister for Women Affairs under the regime of President Bola Ahemd Tinubu. She was dismissed in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.

19. Lola Ade-John – Recently served as Minister for Tourism. Was also dismissed in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.

20. Tahir Mamman – Recently served as Minister for Education. Was also sacked in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet, aimed at improving government operations on Wednesday, October 23.

21. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo – Recently served as the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Was also sacked in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.

22. Jamila Bio Ibrahim – Recenetly served as minister of youth development. Was also recently sacked in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.

October 25, 2024
FULL LIST: Ministers who survived sack, redeployment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday fired five ministers and nominated seven in the first major shakeup of his cabinet constituted 14 months ago.

However, 29 Ministers were not sacked nor redeployed to another Ministry.

Here are Ministers who survived Tinubu’s cabinet shake-up include:

1. MINISTER OF POWER – ADEBAYO ADELABU
2 MINISTER OF DEFENCE – MOHAMMED BADARU
3 MINISTER OF STATE, DEFENCE – BELLO MATAWALLE
4 MINISTER OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT – AHMED M. DANGIWA
5 MINISTER OF BUDGET & ECONOMIC PLANNING – ATIKU BAGUDU
6 MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES & SANITATION – JOSEPH UTSEV
7 MINISTER OF POLICE AFFAIRS – IBRAHIM GEIDAM
8 MINISTER OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT – SHUAIBU A. AUDU
9 MINISTER OF FINANCE AND COORDINATING MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY – WALE EDUN
10 MINISTER OF FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) – NYESOM WIKE
11 MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION – SA’IDU ALKALI

Read Also: Why, how Tinubu fired Ministers, by presidency

12 MINISTER OF STATE (GAS) PETROLEUM RESOURCES – EKPERIPE EKPO
13 MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT – BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL
14 MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY – ABUBAKAR KYARI
15 MINISTER OF STATE, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY – ALIYU SABI ABDULLAHI
16 MINISTER OF INTERIOR – OLUBUNMI TUNJI-OJO
17 MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS – YUSUF M. TUGGAR
18 COORDINATING MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE – ALI PATE
19 MINISTER OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT – FESTUS KEYAMO
20 MINISTER OF WORKS – DAVID UMAHI
21 MINISTER OF STATE (OIL) PETROLEUM RESOURCES – HEINEKEN LOKPOBIRI
22 MINISTER OF INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – UCHE NNAJI
23 MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT – DELE ALAKE
24 MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION – MUHAMMED IDRIS
25 ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE – LATEEF FAGBEMI
26 MINISTER OF MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY – ADEGBOYEGA OYETOLA
27 MINISTER OF STATE, LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT– NKIRUKA ONYEJEOCHA
28 MINISTER OF SPECIAL DUTIES AND INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS – ZEPHANIAH JISALO
29 MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY – BOSUN TIJANI

October 24, 2024
Why, how Tinubu fired Ministers, by presidency

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga has revealed why he dismissed five Ministers from his cabinet.

Onanuga, in an interview with AriseTV on Thursday, October 24, disclosed that the sack of the ministers was based on the public scorecard.

He added the overall revamp of the cabinet was a significant undertaking and part of the President’s plan since the Ministers were sworn in last year.

The aide recalled that the President’s Special Adviser on Policy, Hadiza Bala Usman, was tasked with overseeing the performance appraisal, which included collecting public feedback on the ministers.

Onanuga said: “He told them that he has the power to hire and fire, and that he would not hesitate to remove ministers who could not perform.

“He also mentioned that there’ll be a performance appraisal which he said Hadiza Bala Usman, his Special Adviser on Policy should lead.

Read Also: NANS hails Tinubu over redeployment of Alausa as Education Minister

“Hadiza brought technology to the task, asking Nigerians to score the ministers.

“So, whomever was removed out of the Ministers was removed based on empirical facts. The public perception of those Ministers, and they are the people who actually did the scorecard. The President only acted on the result, that is the public perception of those ministers, that’s what happened.”

The Nation reported Tinubu on Wednesday, October 23, reshuffled his cabinet, sacking about five Ministers, reassigning 10 and appointing seven new Minister-designates.

October 24, 2024
Full List of Tinubu’s Ministers

The Presidency on Wednesday confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon carry out a cabinet reshuffle.

It stated that the exercise will be evidence-based as President Tinubu will be aided in his decision by public opinions that have been empirically extracted.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who revealed this to journalists at the State House however, explained that the exercise has no timeline yet.

He said Tinubu also instructed his ministers to actively promote the accomplishments of his administration.

He said some of the Ministers have been media shy, television shy, radio shy, and he wants them to overcome all that and go out there and speak about what they have been doing.

President Tinubu appointed his Ministers in August 2023.

Here is a list of Ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet

1. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security – Abubakar Kyari

2. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security – Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

3. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy – Hannatu Musawa

4. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development – Festus Keyamo

5. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning – Abubakar Atiku Bagudu

6. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy – Bosun Tijani

7. Minister of Defence – Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

8. Minister of State for Defence – Bello Matawalle

9. Minister of Education – Tahir Mamman

10. Minister of State for Education – Yusuf Sununu

11. Minister of Environment – Balarabe Abbas Lawal

12. Minister of State for Environment – Iziaq Adekunle Salako

13. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory – Nyesom Wike

14. Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory – Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure

15. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy – Wale Edun

16. Minister of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar

17. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare – Muhammad Ali Pate

18. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare – Tunji Alausa

Read Also: Tinubu vows to restore federal authority amid economic challenges

19. Minister of Housing and Urban Development – Ahmed Musa Dangiwa

20. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development – Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo

21. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation – Betta Edu (On suspension since 8 January 2024)

22. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment – Doris Anite

23. Minister of Information and National Orientation – Mohammed Idris Malagi

24. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology – Uche Nnaji

25. Minister of Interior – Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

26. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation – Lateef Fagbemi

27. Minister of Labour and Employment – Simon Lalong (Resigned 20 December 2023)

28. Minister of State for Labour and Employment – Nkiruka Onyejeocha

29. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy – Gboyega Oyetola

30. Minister of Niger Delta Development – Abubakar Momoh

31. Minister of Petroleum Resources – President Bola Tinubu

32. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) – Heineken Lokpobiri

33. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) – Ekperikpe Ekpo

34. Minister of Police Affairs – Ibrahim Geidam

35. Minister of State for Police Affairs – Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

36. Minister of Power – Adebayo Adelabu

37. Minister of Solid Minerals Development – Dele Alake

38. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs – Zephaniah Jisalo

39. Minister of Sports Development – John Enoh

40. Minister of Steel Development – Shuaibu Audu

41. Minister of State for Steel Development – Uba Maigari Ahmadu

42. Minister of Tourism – Lola Ade-John

43. Minister of Transportation – Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali

44. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation – Joseph Utsev

45. Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation – Bello Muhammad Goronyo

46. Minister of Women Affairs – Uju Kennedy

47. Minister of Works – Dave Umahi

48. Minister of Youth – Jamila Bio Ibrahim

49. Minister of State for Youth – Ayodele Olawande

September 26, 2024
Ministers and the people’s assessments

Nigeria was a colony of the British Empire. Britain annexed Lagos in 1861 and established the Oil River Protectorate in 1884. The British coveted cash crops like palm oil and palm kernel and export trade in tin, cotton, cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil and so on (Graham, 2009). The British accomplished the colonization by using its military might. Although the people fiercely resisted colonialism, the British used military power to crush all opposition.

Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel, Things Fall Apart documented the cultural shock of the people against the British. The story of the banishment of the 35th Oba of Benin, Oba Ovoramwen Nogbaisi from his kingdom to Calabar over trade disputes with the British in late 19th century is equally instructive. The piecemeal return of Benin priced Benin artifacts stolen by the British during the colonial era is testament to the effort by the British t to strip the people bare not just of their language and culture but of resources whether human or material.

Colonialism, apartheid and the transatlantic slave trade were three crimes against the African continent for more than four hundred years. The continent has not fully recovered from the effects of colonialism either mentally of in cultural and physical structures. The colonial legacies of political chicanery continue to exist even after independence in most of the African countries.

However, even with all the minuses that came with colonialism, independence for most African countries has not created any Eldorado. The democracies that the independent countries have adopted have not fully been of much value to the people. Military incursions into politics continues to plague the continent, wars and conflicts have had their impact on the countries. Sudan, Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast , Rwanda etc. have all had and till date, continues to impact the people in very grave ways.

The indigenous African political leaders seem not to have purged themselves of the colonial legacies of being somewhat insensitive to the needs of the people. The development of African countries has been at snail-speed despite the human and material resources available in the continent. The continent paradoxically keeps losing its human and material resources to the West. The war in Congo has lasted decades for a country that has the highest deposits of some of the most priced natural resources like uranium.

Somalia is made up of people of same ethnicity, language and religion but the guns and bullets still speak loud and clear. Pope Francis had at one point knelt down to kiss the feet of some Sudanese leaders in an effort to remind them of the need to care for their people. The war still rages. Niger, Mali, Gabon and Burkina Faso are all under military governments. The African National Congress (ANC), Africa’s oldest political party at more than a hundred years recently lost its majority in parliament. The people seem dissatisfied with the government.

Nigeria, with the largest black population and many natural resources like oil and other solid minerals is the poverty capital of the world with more than 133million living in multi-dimensional poverty, more than 20 million out-of-school children, unemployment, high inflation and other developmental challenges got independence in 1960 but with military taking a huge share in the leadership of the country, all has not been well with Nigeria in 64 years.

As the administration of President Tinubu clocked one year, Ministers were urged by the President to present their report cards to the people. He had after their inauguration last year told the 47 cabinet members during a retreat that any of them that does not perform creditably would be shown the exit door. In fact for the first time in the country, the president appointed a Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman. Her role is to ensure there is coordination across ministries, departments and agencies. She actually got the Ministers to sign a Performance Bond with President Tinubu.

The bond was expected to contain certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with a consequence management framework. Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the evaluation after the ministers faced the media to reel out what in their view are their key achievements since taking oath of office even if they will clock one year in August. As they say, a ripe maize does not need to be opened to confirm.

After listening to most of the ministers, many analysts have been giving their opinions about the performance of some of them. Ministers like the that of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo , Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, Minister of state for defense, Dr, bello Matawalle are deemed to have performed fairly well either through assessable efforts in physical structures or their laid out plans and or commitment to improve their sectors.

On the other hand, many other ministers have been very loud in their performance silence. This to the Roundtable Conversation is worrisome because the sub-total of the performance of cabinet members in any government can be best described as akin to that of a football team. The wingers, defense, mid-fielders, attackers and goalkeepers must all play their roles perfectly for the team to record victory. The team working with any president must work at their peak for any impactful progress to be made by the administration.

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AS we assess the performance of the ministers in Nigeria 25 long years after the return of democracy, The Roundtable Conversation is quick to draw attention, again, to the colonial period. Despite the huge minuses of colonialism, there are certain pluses that post independent democratic leaders especially in Nigeria seem to have forgotten even when most of them were old enough to have seen and benefitted from the governance structure then.

Across Nigeria, no matter how remote the villages, one can still see the relics of colonial administration. In the remotest of villages, one can see; roads, schools, judicial quarters/courts, hospitals or health centers and taps that have been dry since independence. Most people grew up seeing running taps across villages and towns. The roads even if narrower than modern roads were built to last and in most cases their replacements don’t last very long. It is curious that successive governments after independence have not planned long term projects bearing in mind global economic realities and population growth. There are often zero environmental impact assessment of capital projects making them susceptible to early dysfunction.

Nigerians born a few decades ago cannot tell what a running tap looks like because they have never seen one. The country is suffused with boreholes and wells and even governors and the legislators brandish boreholes and water wells as achievements without consideration for the long impact of non-functional water sources in a country with a huge population. Year on year, budgetary allocations are made to the ministry of Water Resources, what changes have they made to the water sector? Has Nigeria given up on the supply of pipe born water for her citizens?

The food insecurity in Nigeria coupled with inflation is causing a lot of hardship on the people. Since the present President of African Development Bank (AFDB), Akin Adesina left the agriculture ministry, not much information or innovative actions have been seen to be taken by the ministry of Agriculture in a country with many mouths to feed, arable lands and which imports even perishable food products from less endowed countries. The ministry must do more to put food on the table of Nigerians through improved yields and encouragement of farmers.

The women in the cabinet seem not to be pulling their weights productively. While women advocate for inclusiveness, we want to see more from the female ministers who have been given the chance to contribute to national development. Performance is not mere rhetoric, when any minister performs, the people blow the trumpet of commendation. An Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and a late Prof. Dora Akunyili of National Agency for drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) left indelible marks of performance as Finance Minister and Director General of NAFDAC becoming global figures and making Nigerians proud of their dedication and patriotism.

Nigeria’s entertainment industry is one of the most vibrant in Africa and the world. That sector is making waves across the world and more work needs to be done by the minister to maximally gain from that sector in national interest. Nigeria can benefit from the soft power that the sector gives nations like the United States and India. Our population is an advantage and with Nigerian musicians at home and in the diaspora making Afrobeat a global anthem and winning grammys, the benefits can be tremendous if the sector is fully productive. The employment opportunities are huge.

Nigerian youths are setting trends in music, acting and sports. The Ministers of Sports and Youth development must see the potential of those two ministries. Nigerian Victor Osimhen of Italy’s Napoli, Ademola Lookman of Italy’s Atalanta and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen in the last two seasons have stamped their excellence in the game in their clubs winning the Italian, Bundesliga and UEFA Europa League titles recently. Tobi Amusan and others are still making waves across the world in athletics. This is just a reminder of the Nigerian youth potentials in sports. How far are the ministers going to invest in the grooming of young talents through grassroots sports development?

Any minister can take the liberty to reel out achievements or goals but the truth is that the people have their own report cards. Nigerians must not be forced to look back and reminisce over the colonial period flawed as that British policy was across the Commonwealth. The people expect democracy to be about them and their welfare. There must be no room for vacuous self-platitudes. The taste of the pudding is in the eating. The legacies of performance are always eveident and outlive individuals no matter how short the time of service. The people know all those putting in the work with patriotism.

The dialogue continues…

June 8, 2024
Tinubu likely to get ministers’ performance record this week
- Deliverables based on Administration’s eight priority areas are criteria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to receive the scorecard of members of his cabinet this week.

The Administration will be one year old next week, but the ministers will clock nine months in office tomorrow, having been sworn in on August 21 last year.

The scorecard of special advisers and heads of key departments and agencies will also likely be delivered to the President.

Forty-eight ministers were inaugurated by the President but they are now reduced to 46, following the departure of Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong, who resigned to take up his seat at the Senate following his victory at the Court of Appeal.

He left the government on December 20.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Betta Edu has been on suspension since March 6 to allow a probe into allegations of misdeed in her ministry.

There is anxiety in the cabinet over whether the assessment report will lead to a reshuffle or removal of some ministers.

Although the report was compiled by Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination/ Head of Central Coordination Delivery Unit (CDCU) Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman, the President has the final say on it.

The criteria for the performance assessment of the ministers were spelt out after the retreat which followed their inauguration.

This is based on deliverables of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) members on the eight priority areas of the Administration. These are:

• Reforming the economy to deliver sustained and inclusive growth;

• Strengthening national security for peace and prosperity;

• Boosting agriculture to achieve food security;

• Unlocking energy and natural resources for sustainable development;

• Enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers for growth;

• Focusing on education, health, and social investment as essential pillars of development;

• Accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation; and

• Improving governance for effective service delivery.

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The ministers have been undergoing quarterly performance appraisals by the CDCU.

Although the unit had submitted an interim report, the first-year assessment was said to be “crucial” to shaping the focus of the 36 months left in the first tenure of the President.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President may receive the first year performance evaluation of the ministers, advisers and even strategic departments /agencies.

“The CDCU has subjected the ministers and others to a quarterly assessment.

“From the outset, the ministers signed a performance bond. And the bond will determine their fate.

“There was also a Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App used to monitor the performance of the ministers and their portfolios. Nigerians’ verdict may also count too.

“But whatever is the eventual decision on the ministers, it is the prerogative of the President.”

On how the ministers will be rated, a top source said: “It has been based on the eight priority areas of the President. They are already aware of the key indices.”

At the commencement of the evaluation process, Hajiya Bala-Usman said: “For each of these priority areas, we agreed on specific deliverables and developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which formed the basis for the Performance Bond which all ministers and permanent secretaries signed with the President in November 2023.

“These parameters will guide the Quarterly Assessments and Annual Scorecards, which the CDCU is mandated to present to the President.”
May 20, 2024
Ministers: As we compile report sheet…

Governments succeed or fail based on so many variables. Leadership is important, capacity and teamwork from cabinet members matter. In democracies around the world, Presidents always insist on the capacity of the people they would want to work with when they are elected. Most of them campaign on manifestoes they have worked on wth prospective nominees.

The role of the cabinet is to help the president or head of government realize the campaign promises . In accepting to serve in any government at this level, appointees invariably sign a contract with the executive and the people. Their jobs are often well cut out. They lead their ministries and become the President’s pointsmen and women and must help him achieve his policy objectives and vision.

In Nigeria however, lack of political education and illiteracy seems to have impacted the citizen’s perception of public service. While the Presidency is an important part of any democracy including Nigeria, there seems to be a disproportionate reliance on Presidents to seemingly become the nation’s sole burden bearer. Even the constituent states tend to look up to the federal government to literally wave the magic wand of prosperity and development.

Make no mistake about it, the presidency has enormous responsibilities in a nation where due to structural flaws, the central government is often overwhelmed by expectations. However, the Roundtable Conversation believes that capacity, deep sense of patriotism and commitment from cabinet members for any president can bring development to the country.

Sadly though, since the return of democracy in 1999, just a few ministers have legacies to their names. Incidentally, three of the outstanding former ministers are today serving at both continental and global institutions. Nothing better gives credence to their professionalism and work ethic than their growth and globally recognized sense of service for development.

Former Nigerian Minister of finance and foreign affairs, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is today the director General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of environment is serving as the United Nations’ Assistant Secretary General. Akin Adesina is the multiple award-winning President of African Development Bank (AFDB). These are just a few of the former ministers whose works speak for them.

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After President Tinubu inaugurated his cabinet in August 2023, 84 days after taking his oath of office, he made a remarkable statement, “…serve Nigeria, not states or regions, get to work, Nigerians would not tolerate failure”. This was with the expectation that each of the Ministers is to serve the federal republic of Nigeria patriotically. The president realized that he made campaign promises and the people are looking up to him to deliver and having picked his team, they can rapidly help him deliver on his campaign promises.

In November 2023, the government organized a cabinet retreat where he again reminded the ministers to deliver on their responsibilities or be sacked. He urged them to ensure they do not become clogs in Nigeria’s wheel of progress. So far, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu seems to have fallen off the boat due to allegations of impropriety with financial transactions. Investigations are reported to be ongoing in her case.

Former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Shamusideen Usman recently at the Second Chronicle Roundtable with the theme, “Tinubu Administration’s Economic and Social Agenda: How it Will Transform Nigeria” urged the President to match his words with actions by sacking some ministers in his cabinet to serve as deterrent to other non-performing members and heads of agencies that are performing below average. He was very concerned about the power sector. He recalled that the President had warned the cabinet members during an earlier retreat.

Many might claim that it is too early to assess performance of cabinet members but the former minister cited the example of a Malaysian Power minister that challenged himself to fix the power problem of the region in six months or resign and he achieved his target. That to Dr. Usman should be the mantra of active cabinet members. It is not about perfection but about showing the commitment and patriotism to change the situation from what they met.

The Roundtable Conversation spoke with Anthony Kila, a Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development and the Institute Director General at Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS). We asked him his assessment of the charge to the President by Dr. Usman given the retreat instruction to the cabinet members. He believes that having a presidential adviser on policy and coordination is a good idea the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan equally embraced through then Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as a coordinating minister of the economy.

He believes that the idea is good but that strategically, it is supposed to be a monitoring unit that should help cabinet members organize performance goals and itemize them into the achievables in the short, medium and long terms. The unit must not wait for long term evaluation to seemingly mark performance sheets. They ought to be active in monitoring and guidance for success. He believes that with more than forty cabinet members, the ministries of Finance/CBN, Power and Works are the major one in the news and that’s because of the fluctuating currency, epileptic power supply and the now controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway.

However, Prof. Kila believes that while the unit might be doing their best, there are systemic problems that have to be sorted before cabinet members of this and subsequent administrations can make real progress towards speedy development given the socio-economic challenges of the country. The political system must have to change in ways that the country does not continue to do the same thing and expect a different result.

Every Nigerian especially the political class and the media must begin to make adjustments for development. When there is a system that encourages politicians to spell out their vision, goals and the hows and when their administrations would begin to deliver on specific deliverables, both the presidents and their appointees would come to office with clear vision with time tags. During campaigns, politicians and their political parties must be literally given blank posters to wrte out with their specific goals, how they will finance such projects and the timelines.

Nigerians should be ready to hold candidates to specifics rather than some amorphous and vague manifestoes. After elections, nominations into cabinets must be on individual quality and ability to key into the vision of the president or governor. Prof. Kila believes for instance that if the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway was a campaign issue, the furor over the project would not have happened because the whys and hows would have been clearly explained to the citizens.

Again he believes that the system of recruitment/screening of cabinet members must change. Candidates must begin head-hunts during campaigns by working with various interested parties with capacity that can buy into their vision. Nominations must be on the basis of Professional capacity and individual vision and mission.

The jaded idea of randomly screening candidates without requesting for portfolio is a strategic flaw in recruitment. A brilliant structural engineer might mess up in the Agriculture ministry. This has been a major problem in the Nigerian public service sector. Arming nominees with portfolio gives the senate clarity and enhances the screening process because that then makes it impossible for nominees to be randomly sent to ministries and agencies where even if they are educationally qualified might lack the industry knowledge specific to areas of operation. Specific industry technical questions can be asked by senators as is done in other climes.

Competence and passion is an individual thing. It then goes to show why most people change the ministries or agencies they are posted to within a short time. A late Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti , was a brilliantly active Health Minister, a late Prof. Dora Akunyili changed the face of NAFDAC, an Akin Adesina gave the Agric ministry a new image even if we have not heard much from that ministry since he left. Citizens would for instance expect a vibrant Agriculture minister to seize the food crises period since he came to innovate and inspire productivity.

Nine months is enough for the minister to have made impact given the food insecurity that has made war-torn Ukraine to donate food to Nigeria. There are low-hanging food or cash crops he would have introduced since or encouraged farmers or researchers to plant and that would have made a huge difference. There must be a systemic change that can herald the emergence of workable system that gives verve to personal capacity.

This in effect would give rise to a culture that rewards achievements rather than evaluating every cabinet member on the same pedestal. The media he insists must do more to hold politicians to honour their social contracts rather than just wait to recount their misses when it becomes too late.

Performance must be accessed periodically and methodologically. Prof. Kila feels it would be a breath of fresh air to see some future candidates promising to attach portfolio to cabinet nominees. That might seem trivial but in a system that has been dysfunctional, it can be a huge turning point for the nation. There must be a radical departure from a system that has not fully worked. So a systemic change backed by individual vision and capacity can help usher in the needed change that can aid our development. Productivity in each sector is an individual thing and the totality of a cabinet defines the outcome any administration so the country must have a systemic realignment.

The dialogue continues…

May 4, 2024