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Tag: Ministers

  • Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    Report lists top performing Ministers in Tinubu’s administration

    The Economic Confidential has released a list of ministers it identified as the “top 12 performers” in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office in August 2023.

    At the swearing-in, President Tinubu announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be deployed to assess the impact of the ministers and their ministries.

    “Some Ministers have shown competence in their respective duties. Beyond pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deploy effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements,” the report noted.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee career progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as the original Abuja master plan.

    Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun is included for reforms to revamp the economy such as removing fuel subsidies worth over N400bn monthly, spearheading alternative ways for generate more revenues, and expanding the scope of direct cash transfer schemes to millions of more households across the country.

    Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate: For attracting development partners to support Nigeria’s healthcare, introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into national immunisation, launching the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve maternal health, and facilitating $1 billion MoU towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the list for clearing a backlog of over 200,000 international passports within a few weeks of his appointment, implementing automation of the passport application process, and facilitating the E-gates system at airports to reduce passengers’ physical contact with immigration officers.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi: Recognised for regular press briefings on governance, decorum during interactions and comments, engagements with stakeholders to address burning issues, and unification of the National Value Charter which provides guidelines on citizens’ rights and government’s expectations.

    The report acknowledged the plans by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola to generate $20 billion from the global blue economy worth $1.5 trillion annually, create two million jobs every year through marine activities, and support stakeholders within the maritime sector.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Ohanenye Uju Kennedy is in the list for championing the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through criminal justice system reform, inclusion of women in peace-building processes, and hosting of capacity-building activities under the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme.

    Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake: For decisive actions including license revocation, spearheading enhanced security measures, launching revised guidelines for community development agreements (CDA) to protect citizens near mining operations, and signing a MOU on technology capable of exploring mineral resources up to 10,000 metres below earth’s surface.

    Read Also: House invites CBN Gov over REMITA leakages

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite made the list for securing about $30 billion in foreign investment commitments in less than six months and facilitating bilateral agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom for artisan licensing skills to enhance the employability of youths.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi: For warning contractors to meet the required standard within stipulated periods, forming a team of retired security personnel to protect construction sites and workers, and approving the use of concrete in most carriageways as it offers superior durability and less maintenance compared to asphalt.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is credited with prioritising strict compliance with safety regulations for efficient air travel, upgrading of airports, runways, other aviation facilities and services, and improving capacity development to ensure professionals receive adequate training and support.

    Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani is in the list for launching the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), through NITDA, to develop 3 million techies by 2025, and attracting investors for projects such as the laying of approximately $2 billion fibre infrastructure across Nigeria.

  • FULL LIST: 17 sacked, suspended Nigerian ministers since 1999

    FULL LIST: 17 sacked, suspended Nigerian ministers since 1999

    Since the emergence of civilian rule which marked the era of the Fourth Republic in 1999, it has featured many political dramas, twists, and turns.

    One of the many political melodramas which have uniquely characterized various administrations so far is the abrupt sacking or dismissal of ministers.

    For some others, they were indirectly asked to resign from office, unceremoniously.

    From Olusegun Obasanjo to Umaru Yar’Adua, to Goodluck Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari, and now to Bola Tinubu, their various administrations witnessed the sacking of some ministers.

    Some of these ministers were involved in a bagful of scandals, while others were victims of cabinet overhaul. They served in different capacities before they left the scene.

    In this piece, ALAO ABIODUN looks at the past ministers sacked since 1999 and why they were sacked. They are as follows:

    1. Barth Nnaji – Contrary to the impression created by the then presidency under Goodluck Jonathan that the then Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, resigned from office on his own volition, Nnaji was tactically forced to resign following a gale of allegations linking him with attempts to subvert the bidding process for the sale of Afam Power plant.

    Former President Jonathan was said to have asked the minister to resign rather than sack him, to save his administration the monumental embarrassment such an action could generate.

    2. Michael Aondoakaa – Aondoakaa was appointed Attorney-General and Minister of Justice by late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on July 26, 2007.

    In 2010, he was removed in controversial circumstances by Goodluck Jonathan, the acting president at the time.

    3. Fabian Osuji – Osuji was dismissed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in March 2005 following his indictment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly offering N55 million ($400,000) in bribes to the National Assembly to pass an inflated budget.

    4. Stella Oduah – Oduah was sacked because of the various controversies and scandals trailing her.

    Oduah was removed in February 2014 as the Minister of Aviation by former President Goodluck Jonathan over corruption allegations.

    Subsequently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on December 17, 2020, filed 25 counts accusing Oduah and the eight others of money laundering.

    Read Also: Betta Edu faces EFCC grilling today

    5. Prof. Adenike Grange – Prof. Adenike Grange and the then minister of state in the Ministry of Health, Gabriel Aduku bowed to pressure and bade an unwilling farewell to the cabinet of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua over a N300m scam.

    She was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and stood trial.

    She claimed that she had been misadvised by her directors. The President had reportedly directed that all unspent money in the budget be returned but it was allegedly shared by officials of the Health Ministry as bonuses.

    She resigned from office on 26 March 2008.

    6. 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.

    7. Sabo Nanono – On September 1, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the sacking of Sabo Nanono.

    Nanono then was the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    8. Saleh Mamman – President Buhari also sacked Nanono’s counterpart in the power ministry, Saleh Mamman.

    The then-presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina said the sack of the ministers was a sequel to a minor cabinet reshuffle after an ‘independent and critical self-review,’ that helped to identify ‘weak areas’ under this government.

    The two ministers — Mamman and Nanono became the first set of ministers to be sacked by the then-president since he assumed office in 2015. His first set of ministers served out his first term.

    9. Caleb Olubolade – In a surprise cabinet shake-up in 2014, Caleb Olubolade who was in charge of the then Ministry of Police Affairs, was sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Olubolade was a front-runner in the Ekiti state governorship race 2014 election, under the Peoples Democratic Party. Olubolade was believed to have been fired to enable him to pursue his gubernatorial interests in Ekiti State.

    10. Godsday Orubebe – Former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, was sacked from office. It was believed that Orubebe was removed to pursue his interest in the Delta State governorship election in 2015.

    Back then, Orubebe was removed from office alongside three other ministers, including former aviation minister, Stella Oduah.

    11. Yerima Ngama – President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 sacked the minister of state for finance, Yerima Ngama.

    Ngama had declared his ambition to rule Yobe State in 2015.

    12. Shamsudeen Usman – Former Minister of State, Works, Bashir Yuguda, was assigned to oversee the Ministry of National Planning following the sack of the longest-serving cabinet member, Shamsudeen Usman, who was first appointed minister by late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

    13. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai – Former Education Minister, Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, was sacked from the federal cabinet in 2013.

    She was the first female education minister from the northern part of Nigeria.

    Before she was fired, Rufai, who became Education minister in 2011, was a member of the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led Federal Government negotiation team, which was holding discussions with ASUU officials led by the Union’s President, Nasiru Fagge, who incidentally teaches at BUK.

    However, the government team could not make any headway in resolving the issues that led to the strike which is now entering its third month, until Rufai left the government, unceremoniously.

    14. Amal Iyingiala Pepple — she was the Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development until she was removed by President Jonathan.

    Jonathan shocked members of the Federal Executive Council on September 10, 2013, when he announced the sack of ten members of the cabinet.

    Unfortunately, Pepple was hit by the presidential axe.

    15. Bukar Tijani – Bukar was sacked from office by former President Goodluck Jonathan in September 2013.

    In 2023, Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, appointed Bukar Tijani, as secretary to the state government (SSG).

    He served as minister from July 2011 to September 2013.

    16. Olusola Obada – Former Minister of State for Defence, Olusola Obada was in office from 2011 to 2012 and then as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence from 2012 to 2013 under the Cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Obada was sacked alongside eight other ministers in a major reshuffle in September 2013.

    17. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi – Kuchi was minister of state for power and Niger Delta Affairs, respectively between 2011 and 2013, under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    On October 30, 2012, after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, President Jonathan directed that she swap her role with the former minister of state for Niger Delta Affairs, Dairus Ishaku. The swap, President Jonathan said, was geared toward strengthening the sectors to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

    On September 11, 2013, Kuchi was inadvertently sacked as minister during a FEC meeting alongside eight others. After her sacking, many thought that would mark her final exit from politics, but she staged a come-back in late 2014 when she was appointed as Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential Campaign coordinator for Niger state.

  • When the ministers are evaluated…

    When the ministers are evaluated…

    Nigerian democracy is fashioned after that of the United states but then there are differences in the actual practice of the system owing to a variety of factors most of which are rooted in culture and other social and political nuances.  Sometimes, political analysts seem to debate whether really the Nigerian democracy is more like the American model or very different. The basic structure of the two systems seems somewhat similar. The presidential structure and the two arms of the legislature are quite structurally similar but functionally different.

    The functionality of most democratic systems is dependent on the decision of the people to adopt systems that work for the interest of everyone. The focus of democracy is the people. Every action of the elected must be to advance the welfare of the people. Failure of any system of government to work for the people breeds contempt for the leadership irrespective of the continent.  Governments exist to cater for the welfare of the people. When this one role is neglected, anarchy often sets in in different forms.

    Nigeria’s return to civilian democracy in 1999 has undergone several metamorphoses. There have been challenges in leadership at all levels but progress is being made in certain areas but the fact that there are a huge number of citizens living in multi-dimensional poverty begs the question, what dividends have the people gotten from successive administrations in the Nigeria political space?

    Sadly, there is a somewhat flawed focus on the presidency as the magic wand of development and somehow the people ignore the roles of every elected individual from the ward, state to the national assembly and even the appointees at all levels of governance especially the federal ministers. Most of the state and federal appointees are often not held accountable. Ministers and commissioners are screened by the state houses of assembly and the senate before their inauguration but more often than not, it is mere perfunctory function as some mundane considerations often overshadow need for due diligence in screening individuals nominated by either governors or the executive.  This sometimes is the beginning of the failure to deliver by teams in the executive. Competence, experience and track record of performance either as private or public operators are often taken for granted.

    In a country with much divided political sphere, there is a subtle sense of monopoly that winners seem to take it all.  So most times the winning party often tends to insist on appointing its ‘loyal’ members or even in some cases, some campaign sponsors or their cronies to positions they sometimes are not very qualified to handle effectively.  While reward for party loyalty is not a crime, functionality ought to be the deciding factor for appointments in climes where political actors are held to account.

    In the last eight years, a lot happened both positively and negatively but the bottom-line is that the country has 133million people living in multi-dimensional poverty with an additional 4million in the first quarter of 2023 in addition to more than 20million out of school children. The insecurity level in the country has never been this high. There are dilapidated infrastructure, high under-five malnutrition, high child and maternal mortality and a general  decline in the healthcare sector among other evelopment problems.

    It is pertinent to recall that there were ministers and heads of agencies and parastatals that were in charge of the ministries and they had huge allocations that they defended in the national assembly for the budget appropriation committees. What oversight functions did those ministries get? How many ministers were held to account? How many where sacked for incompetence? How many did the political party leadership call to order?

    Accountability in leadership is the foundation of good democracy dividends which ultimately adds up to development.  Development happens when there is a conscious and deliberate effort to work for it to happen. Given the history of Nigerian democracy since 1999, there was Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the coordinating minister of the economy but this administration is the first to appoint a Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination of the ministries. Hadiza Bala Usman, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had been appointed by President Tinubu after his inauguration.

    Many watchers of the Nigerian economy welcomed the appointment of Hadiza for this role because that might help in putting all the ministers on their toes. The President himself had during a recent retreat titled, “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda” organized for ministers, presidential aides, permanent secretaries and other top government functionaries  issued the warning, “…you will sign a bond (of performance) with me, if you are performing, nothing to fear, if you miss the objective, if you don’t perform, you leave us We must take 50million people out of poverty”. The President said that the bond would be reviewed periodically.

    This administration  has the highest number of ministers at 48 and as such the expectations on the administration is very high and the hope is that each one of them would perform to expectations of both the president, the people and the larger global community in a world so interlinked every action in one end of the world reverberates in another geographic setting.

    The Roundtable Conversation believes that this present circumstance is welcome as the individuals now realize that there is a gatekeeper who has been charged to take stock of their performances and report to the president. The implications of non-performance are dire. They had all signed the ‘performance bond’ and must remember that the die is cast.

    It is however very intriguing to watch the actions of a few of the ministers in the last few months. The exaggerated post-inauguration celebrations seem to have faded into the times and the people are eager to count the gains.  When a minister is performing, the people would be the recipient of the good works because the works they do can be evaluated not just by the Hadiza-led agency but by the people who can do the evaluation of both the tangibles and the intangibles all of which contribute to the welfare or lack of same for the people.

    Read Also: Tinubu receives Uzodimma, Ododo over poll victory

    The Roundtable Conversation like many Nigerians across the world has been watching the ministers, aides and all the appointees of the administration as they struggle to live up to their performance bonds.  Some are quite regular in the media, some are speaking through their aides about their plans and programmes of action and it becomes very interesting to watch but a bit difficult to understand. While it is good to give the public information about their plans, narratives in the media does not replace real performance deliverables.

    The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, seems to have started on a good note but not too loquacious over his admirable first steps to revamp the ministry. There are reports that the perennial problems with international passport issuance seems to be easing off based on his intervention. A few days ago, he flagged off the Correctional Center Decongestion, a project that has been on the list of Civil rights and Justice advocates in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. He has equally flagged off the release of 4068 of the 80,804 inmates  in the 253 Correctional facilities nationwide.

    His ministry has opened the first phase of E-passport offices that will reduce processing delays in Europe. The Minister has been silently working in ways that has not been very common in the past few years. The Minister seems to have brought a youthful energy and ICT knowledge to the ministry. It might not be uhuru yet for the ministry but the morning seems to show the day.

    On the contrary, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy- Ohanenye, has been quite in the face of the media for a cocktail of reasons, some commendable others not so amirable. She recently stirred the hornets’ nest by vowing to sue the United Nations (UN) for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for Nigeria. Her counterpart at the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Beta Edu seems to have retracted from her many visits from one media to the other talking about the intention of her ministry to take 133million people out of poverty. Her explanations seem to be somewhat very vague on statistics of the Social Register and real plans that would be impactful in the long run. These might be very baby steps for these ministers but the people expect they should realize that no one needs a torch to see the sun.

    Many of the other minsters have been possibly behind the scene working and the people are eager to see and feel the impact of their actions. What they ought to realize is that political and economic dynamics have changed and the people are now better armed with information to monitor performances of each minister.

    The past situation where most non-performing minister escaped without being held accountable might be in the past because the president and the Hadiza-led unit might not be too patient with non-performers. Nigerian economy is dependent on the dedication and commitment of these ministers and expectations are high. The Roundtable Conversation has all eyes on all ministers.

    The dialogue continues…

  • Perform or get sacked, President warns ministers

    Perform or get sacked, President warns ministers

    • Result Delivery Unit to periodically assess functionaries’ performance

    Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) got a marching order yesterday from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: perform or be fired.

    The President spoke at the opening of a three-day retreat organised for ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies and parastatals at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The 2023 Cabinet Retreat is tagged: “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    The President said his administration was racing against time to rejig the economy and upgrade Nigerians’ living standards within a set time frame.

    He told the ministers that he would not spare any resources in his bid to change the narrative about Nigeria.

    Ordering the FEC members to take governance with seriousness, he reminded them that the government has at its disposal everything needed to lift the country to loftier heights.

    According to him, a Result Delivery Unit (RDU) has been established to periodically appraise the performance of the ministers and chief executive officers of relevant government agencies.

    The RDU is headed by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman.

    The unit has the mandate to measure the performance of ministers and other top government officials serving in the Tinubu administration.

    The President assured the FEC that he would grant members a significant level of autonomy, provided that they demonstrate intellectual curiosity by asking questions about the reasons, methods and timing of the tasks assigned to them.

    He said: “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. 

    Read Also: President seeks National Assembly’s nod to borrow $7b, 100m Euros

    “If you’re ready to work with her, stay there. Delivery, yes, we must achieve it for the sake of millions of our people.

    “It’s our country; we have no other one. Let’s be proud that we’re Nigerians and we can do it. You can show leadership. We can fight to make democracy a lasting reference for the rest of Africa.

    “Don’t be afraid to make decisions, but don’t be antagonistic to your supervisor. If they are wrong, debate it. 

    “I stand before you and I have claimed several occasions and I’m saying today again, as the President I can make mistakes. Point it to me, I will resolve the conflict, that error. Perfection is only that of God Almighty.

    “But you are there to help me succeed. Success, I must achieve, by all means necessary. We have great minds, great intellects and all that we need.”

    In his almost 20-minute remarks, the President said he would not complain about the heavy task of piloting the country through economic and social recovery, stating that he had accepted to inherit all the assets and liabilities of his predecessors.

    He said: “I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. It is part of my professional background. You are in this ship, don’t wreck it. See the minister as part of a team that will navigate and take it out of troubled waters.

    “Healthcare is a priority; education is a must. No other weapon against poverty than education. You have the opportunity to change things.”

    He stressed the need for all public servants to work for the interest of the millions of Nigerians who elected the government, particularly the need to end corruption and pull not less than 50 million citizens out of poverty.

    Tinubu said: “We are going through the reform, painfully, and we still have other challenges. Don’t be a clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress. 

    “Let us look forward. Let us be determined that corruption will go; progress will be achieved; better wages for our workers and living wages.

     ”We must take 50 million people out of poverty; we must build healthcare that works for all; look at the standard of education, look at the classrooms and look at the roads; we can only spend the money, we will find it, we cannot spend the people.

    “No crime in borrowing. Thank you World Bank for being a lending friend, but let our achievement be homegrown. The determination that Nigeria can do it is here.

    “Our path for tomorrow is charted for our children and grandchildren.

    “Don’t be selfish about it; poverty is not a shameful thing, it’s only unacceptable and we have to banish it because it’s unacceptable. Let’s work on other identifiable areas,” he said.

    Preaching unity among Nigerians, the president assured that he is a President for all, regardless of religious, ethnic, political or other affiliations.

    Tinubu reminded participants that rebuilding Nigeria is a collective responsibility, asking the FEC to join hands with him to renew the foundation of the nation and give hope to the near-hopeless.

    “It is our country; we have to build it; we have to renew the foundation. We have to give hope to the near-hopeless. With strong determination, we have brought together the best brains, and the best hands to navigate the future of Nigeria. We can’t complain and give excuses,” he said.

    Reaffirming the need for the participants to be determined and collaborate to achieve his administration’s eight-point agenda, the President said: “A great Nigeria is possible and a greater Nigeria will come under our commitment, guidance and resolute determination to give the country a direction. 

    “I am with you and please be assured that this great country is one family in one house, geographically located, partitioned and living in different rooms, but we are one family.

    “And we are here to make allegiance and give direction to that one family, making sure that relationship can only be stronger if we give hope to our people and can only achieve our vision with boldness and strong determination with collaboration.”

    Cautioning civil servants against seeing political appointees as opportunists, he said: “I am here to assure you that I will work with you, the best brain we can put to get in civil service, the best brains that we can put together in our democratic parliament chosen for us by the public.

    “Don’t see the minister as an opportunist but a partner that you must take this ship forward. Navigate it through turbulent and clear weather. But you are in this ship, you will make good of it but not wreck it.

    “We are lucky we have a nation. The challenges are all over the world. You can see the chaos all around you, but be focused and be committed to the values and principles of results that will affect you, your neighbour and the entire nation,” the President noted.

    He listed food security, economic growth and development through job creation and poverty eradication as priority evaluation areas for the officials.

    The other focus areas are inclusivity (women and youth involvement); security from terror and all forms of criminality; fairness and rule of law; anti-corruption and strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the various anti-corruption agencies.

    The National Assembly leadership was represented at the session by House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

  • Youth ministers assume office, promise to unveil road map for ministry

    Youth ministers assume office, promise to unveil road map for ministry

    The ministers of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande on Monday, October 16, assumed office after they were sworn in by President Bola Tinubu. 

    Ibrahim said she would unveil a road map for the ministry after taking briefs from senior officials of the ministry. 

    She said this when she and the minister of state for youth development, Olawande assumed office on Monday at the ministry in Abuja after they were sworn in during the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu. 

    They were received by the Permanent Secretary, Ismaila Abubakar and directors of the ministry.

    She urged the staff to work with them to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu as it concerns youth development. 

    Ibrahim said: “In this gathering, I envision a family meeting where we come together to drive the renewed hope vision of President Bola Tinubu regarding youth development. It is crucial that we unite and adopt a holistic approach to youth development. This is not the time for mere policy statements; instead, we must collaborate to design a comprehensive roadmap for the Ministry.

    Read Also: Tinubu swears in three new ministers, presides over FEC meeting

    “I appeal to each of you to join hands in serving our nation. Let us view ourselves as dedicated servants of the youth, diligently discharging our duties. Together, we can make a significant impact and bring about positive change.”

    The permanent secretary assured the ministers of the cooperation of the staff of the ministry. 

    He said: “We are ready to cooperate with you in the implementation of programmes of the ministry.”

  • Governors, APC, ministers laud First Lady’s contributions to democracy, humanity

    Governors, APC, ministers laud First Lady’s contributions to democracy, humanity

    • Eminent Nigerians celebrate Senator Tinubu at 63

    Eminent Nigerians yesterday poured more encomiums on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she celebrated her 63rd birthday.

    Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi) described the First Lady as a distinguished and patriotic Nigerian who has dedicated her life to democracy and humanity.

    They said Senator Tinubu is an inspiring testament to her unwavering commitment to God and humanity.

    In a statement in Jos, the state capital, by his spokesman Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s steadfast support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying she has stood as a strong pillar throughout their shared journey.

    Highlighting the profound impact of the First Lady’s numerous programmes aimed at fostering societal development, the governor expressed the pride of the government and people of Plateau State in their association with her commendable initiatives.

    In his congratulatory message to the erstwhile Lagos East senator, Governor bello said: “It is worth noting that her service to both God and her fellow citizens has been characterised by unwavering compassion and dedication. 

    “As we mark this significant milestone in her life, my heartfelt prayer is for God to bestow upon her continued good health and fulfillment of her life’s aspirations.” 

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    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) described the First Lady as a positive role model in many areas of human endeavours.

    In a statement in Abuja, by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said Senator Tinubu’s exemplary life stood her out in many roles that providence trusted on her in the last 63 years.

    “Today, we celebrate this titan, a woman of great strength, courage and purpose, a kindhearted fountain of inspiration, a tireless giver and nurturer who has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially women, youth, children and the most vulnerable citizens across our land.

    “Now that Providence has bestowed grace on you as the First Lady of our nation in this epoch of great expectations, we are confident that you will continue to be the bedrock of support for our dear President as he leads the onerous efforts to remake and set our country on a path of balanced and sustainable growth and prosperity.

    “On behalf of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, distinguished members of the National Working Committee (NWC), leaders and members of our great party, here is wishing you God’s wisdom, guidance, excellent health and great joy, now and in the many years to come.

    “Congratulations, and Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” the statement said.

    Also, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris hailed Senator Tinubu for impacting on lives of the less privileged.

    In his congratulatory message, the minister said the First Lady “within a few months into the life of this administration, had established herself as the mother of the nation and the underbelly of the government by her advocacy and good works, as well as the lives she has touched”.

  • Ministers, investors for Global Africa Business Initiative 

    Ministers, investors for Global Africa Business Initiative 

    The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) will hold its programme between September 21 and 23.

      It is entitled: ‘Unstoppable Africa’.

    The event, to be co-convened by the African Union on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, serves as a pivotal forum for Heads of State and Government, CEOs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, artists, athletes, and U.N. leaders to discuss the way forward for Africa’s dynamic business landscape. 

    The participants include  President of Senegal, Macky Sall;  President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, Secretary-General, United Nations, Antonio Guterres; Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed; Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene; President, African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina;  President, AfrExImBank, Prof. Benedict Oramah;  President/CEO, African Finance Corporation, Samalia Zubairu; and  President, The Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. Rajiv Shah, among others. 

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    Assistant Secretary-General/CEO, UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, says: “GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in amplifying Africa’s opportunities.”

    The event will be hosted by Folly Bah Thibault from Aljazeera English and is supported by Google, Mastercard Foundation, Summa Group, AfrExImBank, Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASRi), Rockefeller Foundation, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), among others.

    Executive Director, NBPA, Tamika Tremaglio, said: “We are thrilled to be part of GABI’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ event. Our partnership is rooted in the belief that economic growth and sustainable development in Africa are vital not only for the continent but also for the world at large.’’

  • Reps panel summons ministers, AGF, HCSoF over failed mass transit scheme

    Reps panel summons ministers, AGF, HCSoF over failed mass transit scheme

    The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the failure of mass transit schemes in the country has summoned the Ministers of Finance, Trade and Investment, as well as the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF) to appear before the Investigative Committee to defend government investment in the scheme.

    Ad Hoc Committee Chairman Afam Ogene, who issued the summons during the resumed public hearing yesterday in Abuja, attributed the failure of the scheme to several factors.

    These, he said, include poor planning, inadequate funding, and lack of government control.

    Ogene threatened to invoke sections of the Constitution and the Act of Parliament that give the House the powers to invite any Nigerian or individual living in the country and doing business in the land.

    The chairman said all those invited were required to give information to the panel on the disbursement of funds for the various failed mass transit schemes.

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    He quoted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as saying that “between 2012 and 2014, we invested N16 billion, under the SURE-P programme” for mass transit scheme, when the panel visited him on Tuesday.

    The lawmaker said the panel was “determined to carry this assignment through and ensure that previous money that has gone out to different private operators of mass transit schemes are recovered and properly accounted for”.

    Ogene added: “Additionally, the clerk of this committee is to invite the Managing Director of the Infrastructure Bank to appear on the same day and time.

    “Let me warn that this invitation is not frivolous. This is an invitation extended to them by the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “If, for any reason, any of them fails to honour this invitation, we shall invoke the full power of this committee, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”

  • Notes for ministers

    Notes for ministers

    The opening remarks of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inaugural meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) four days ago, gave clarity as to the quality of FEC deliberations and the impacts Nigerians should expect. Mr. President’s 8-point agenda to achieve his overarching vision for “economic growth, prosperity for all, and ending poverty” in the next 3 years is quite significant; especially considering the current security and socio-economic challenges in the country. With the inauguration of the FEC, the clock is already ticking as Nigerians eagerly (if not desperately) look forward to getting out of the current multi-dimensional national doldrums. As Nigerians from various strata are adding their voices in trying to set the tone for the administration, especially in this case of the Honorable Ministers; I wish to respectfully speak to the Honorable Ministers follows:

     Mr. President has made it clear that he intends to drive a performance-driven FEC with a performance management and consequence management framework and processes. This is a welcome development. What remains to be seen is the performance of the FEC, individually and collectively in living up to the expectation of Mr. President and Nigerians.

     I commend the initials steps already taken in the last 48 hours since you resumed duties, with some bold and impactful policy statements and actions taken by some Ministers, particularly, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Minister of Finance, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Minister of Works, and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory. These Ministers have started building critical momentums. I am also aware of the top-gear action planning by other Ministers. I hope the critical momentums that are building up will be maintained for sustainable and productive outcomes 

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     However, it is worthy of note that while momentum is good; a thorough sectoral situation analysis is a critical success factor for the achievement of sustainable success. This is especially so in the case of those of you who are holding portfolios that are not your areas of specialization. While I do not doubt the capacity of all of you to effectively head the Ministries that have been assigned to you, I advise that a thorough situation analysis should guide your strategy and blueprint formulation, while you are making the quick win moves.

     In addition, you should also be cautious and listen to the “right voices” of critical industry stakeholders in the various sectors. Each sector has professionals of proven integrity and track records of achievements from the public and private sectors; and as you are aware, they will surely be key contributors to your success. Be that as it may, let me remind you to be wary of what I call the “entrapment of the conspiracy of corruption”. The conspirators are a most likely combination of a few unscrupulous civil servants and some industry stakeholders (from the private sector) who deliberately/ inadvertently connive to mislead political appointees through misinformation and/or sycophancy for their parochial interests. Indeed, as we have seen time and again, whenever political officeholders get into trouble, they mostly face those troubles alone. Ironically, most of the so-called advisors or supporters who basically “escort” the political office-holders to their exits/downfall (as the case may be) will be the same people who will criticize them/ blame them for failure/ corruption after they must have benefitted from whatever schemes they have plotted. Interestingly, they do not waste time rushing to the next Minister/Political office-holder to set up shop for the next scheme. I am sure that you are all senior and experienced enough to detect such industry/ sector “booby traps” and avoid them.

     Furthermore, I advise that you use credible premises, data, and information to craft your strategies and formulate your policies so that you can achieve set objectives. Your communication strategy should also be clear, engaging, empathetic, professional, far-reaching, and importantly sensitive to the situation that we, as Nigerians, have found ourselves. Gone should be the days when Ministers will speak outright fallacies to Nigerians with no regard for the consequences of such actions. I commend the inaugural speech of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, wherein he stated clearly and on record, that he will not lie to Nigerians. I hope that all Ministers are on the same page on this assertion. Because Nigerians are watching and taking notes.  The political consciousness of Nigerians is at its highest in history, with citizens in dire need and demanding good governance more than ever before. Mr. President has unambiguously demonstrated consciousness of this fact in his actions thus far, I hope this consciousness has already permeated into the entire FEC.

     You are all tested and accomplished men and women in your various areas of endeavor. You all have demonstrable capacities and competencies. This is yet another opportunity to serve your Country with integrity and make positiveimpact. I am also of the view that all of you have the good intention to perform excellently based on your antecedents, premised on which you are today members of the FEC. Nevertheless, power sometimes makes us forget our promises and/or mandates; not because we don’t know, but because of the allure and trappings of power. I, therefore, advise that you have periods of introspection so as to guide your steps, as the Hausa proverb that literally translates; “Reflection of the past, aids to guide movement into the future”. The mistakes of the past FECs can also guide the current FEC to upscale performance. This is because, for the past 15 years, Nigerians have been lamenting that the previous administrations were better than the ones they are experiencing, at every point in time; sadly, so. It is the fervent prayer and expectation of Nigerians that the vicious circle will be broken by this administration. This can only be achieved by taking lessons from the mistakes, oversights, and/or impunity of the past administrations and ensuring that the mistakes are not repeated or the worst decisions are taken – This is a critical success factor. 

     Accordingly, it is also important to admit to mistakes when they are made and make decisions to address them. So far Mr. President has demonstrated this virtue, by retracing some steps and also reversing some critical decisions he took since he resumed office as Mr. President. While some people see such actions as signs of weakness, I see his actions as a reflection of a sensing leader who is not afraid to take critical steps/actions and also indicating he is not ego-driven or arrogant to quickly take corrective actions if and when it is necessary. It also shows that he is a President who listens and is sensitive to the feelings of his people. I recall that Mr. President reiterated this point during the maiden EFC meeting last week. I commend Mr. President for that thinking and disposition. His action reflects the high level of situational awareness and the readiness to learn and take corrections while being bold and decisive. We hope that this leadership style will be sustained by Mr. President and emulated by the members of the FEC.

    Other critical next steps/critical success factors

     Quick wins (starting immediately and to be achieved within the next 3 months)

    •Political Will and high execution quotient at the top starting with Mr. President to all leaders at all strata of governance

    •Immediate tangible downward review of expenditures by topline leaders (the cost of running their various offices and institutions – Leadership by example

    •Cost reduction/ containment/ blockage of operational and transactional leakages

    •Reduction of operating costs of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    •Streamline Capital expenditure through prudent costing, while balancing cost with quality

    •Enforcement of laws and regulations 

    Mid to long-term (starting from the next 3 months)

    •Elimination of Budget Padding by the Executive and Legislature

    •Elimination of procurement malpractices

    •Streamline MDA structures and functions to eliminate duplicity of functions and costs

    •Ensure collection of all revenues that should accrue to the Government

    •Zero tolerance to sharp practices of non-remittance of revenues by revenue-generating entities of government and also by government private partners, i.e. Concessionaires and other PPP partners 

    •For revenue-generating MDAs to be creative by generating diverse revenue pipelines

    •Ensure collection of all taxes due from the big businesses (local and foreign). 

    •Zero tolerance to all forms of economic sabotage

    •Transparency and Accountability in public service, resource allocation and utilization

    •Anticorruption Strategy and value reorientation: Beyond mantra to action through realistic, practical, and pragmatic plans and actions with the requisite strategy, management, and execution.

    •Cultural change and value re-orientation

    •Transformation of the Civil Service to be in tune with global best practices 

    •Performance management and consequence management (reward and punishment in line with public service rules).

    •Entrenchment of the culture of meritocracy, competence, federal character, and performance.

     As Nigerians, we will continue to commend good governance and also make constructive criticisms if and where necessary. I expect that you all take onboard such contributions in good faith, with a sense of service and understanding of the dire situation we are currently in as a nation – so that they add value to your performance and consequently this administration. This is so due to recognizing the fact that, nation building is a collective responsibility of all citizens.

     I wish you all well. May Almighty God Continue to Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • 48 Ministers not too many for over 200m Nigerians – Osinkolu

    48 Ministers not too many for over 200m Nigerians – Osinkolu

    Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu is the Patron of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Vanguard.  In this interview with RASAQ IBRAHIM, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain spoke about President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, governance in Ekiti state among sundry issues.

    President Tinubu just sworn in members of the Federal Executive Council. What are your expectations from them?

    My expectations are not different from that of other Nigerians, which are for them to deliver democracy dividends to the people and  bring a paradigm shift to governance  and makes it one that can bring prosperity. We can’t afford to be moving through a cycle of suffering and vicious poverty. They must break away from the past by shunning corruption, tackle the cankerworm of insecurity where Nigeria was losing many Innocent souls every day through insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. They must usher in a new Nigeria where things work perfectly like in the 50s and 60s when the African continent was looking up to Nigeria as the giant that would provide shelter and set the pace of development for them. We are tired of being called a fake giant of Africa, we have to really earn it by our development focus and achievements. They must make Nigeria a place where local oil refineries can work without sabotage. Where we can trust our leadership and make our youths productive, rather than allowing them to waste away due to pervasive unemployment. They must give us a Nigeria where fuel and food prices will be affordable to all Nigerians. A new Nigeria where we can all seep with our two eyes closed.  We can’t continue to toe those bad and ruinous paths that had led us to where we are today. So, the new cabinet members would be the most watched and most monitored Federal Executive Council  in Nigeria’s history. They have to be circumspect of what the history will say about them by working hard in synergy to make Nigerians happy. 

    You spoke about service delivery and this depends largely on competence. How do you rate the competences of the new Ministers?

    To me, I can’t say all of them are perfectly okay, but majority of them are accomplished politicians, technocrats and bureaucrats, who had done creditably well in their past assignments. The new FEC is peopled with individuals with strong backgrounds in the corporate world, politics and civil service. Some are from the civil service and some are accomplished politicians, so it was a well balanced one. I can point to over 85% of them who are very competent based on past records and  in terms of delivery. Some Nigerians seemed to have lost faith in the politicians, but the likes of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu did well as a Governor of Kebbi State. Nigerians are still remembering with nostalgic feelings how he revolutionised rice production in Kebbi with Kebbi Rice in partnership with Lagos State goverment, likewise his former  colleague in Jigawa State, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru who is now the Minister of Defence. You could see that former Governor Badaru did so well to provide security in Jigawa State. There were no preponderant cases of kidnapping, banditry  and insurgency in his state like other contiguous states in the Northern Nigeria. Former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola also did marvelously well in the areas of Payment of salaries and pensions to Osun workers. He increased the state’s  IGR and provided many landmark infrastructures. Among the technocrats, Prof Ali Pate has paid his dues in the field of Medicine. His works had assumed international dimension. He had performed so many responsibilities at the international level likewise Yusuf Tuggar, who is to man the Foreign Affairs Ministry.  So, these are very good people that parade very rich antecedents who should not betray the confidence reposed in them.

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    President Bola Tinubu appointed 48 Ministers. Don’t you consider this as over bloated? 

    No. I don’t think 48 Ministers will be too many to administer a nation like Nigeria. Don’t forget that we have over 200 million population with over 200 ethnic groups. How could someone think that 48 Ministers will be too overbloated to administer these number of citizens? I think I agree with President Tinubu’s position that removing burdens of drudgery and over concentration of powers in some ministries will help the performance of the Ministers. We can’t continue to make some Ministries too powerful and those at the helms of affairs will later find it difficult to deliver. But if those ministries are streamlined the way he had done and the burdens become lighter and the Ministers there could deliver, the better for Nigeria. Nigerians are expecting good results from President and they shouldn’t allow him to approach governance using the same old pattern and still expect that he will achieve a different and better results. Things are not done that way. He has to break away from the usual norms and that he had done.

    The President also created some new Ministries. Do you think that was necessary?

    I agree perfectly with the explanations Mr President gave to defend his actions. Nigeria has lost a lot of revenues due to the lumping of the Ministries of Information with that of Arts, Culture and Tourism. But now, we have the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. With this, we will be able to maximise our potentials in these sectors rather than just allowing them to waste away. With what President Tinubu has done in the areas of culture and tourism,Nigeria is now going the way of Kenya , Rwanda, Israel and Saudi Arabia that make tourism the bedrock of their economies. Nigeria as big as it is can’t continue to depend only on oil for survival. Let us also look at the billions we are wasting in the Maritime sector due to insecurity and lack of focus. But with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,Nigeria will develop that sector and makes it one of the hubs of its economy. Some experts even said Nigeria has the potential to generate N11 trillion from that sector yearly and now is the time to prove this. Despite the fact that Nigeria is not placing priority on entertainment as a wing of  the creative industry, the country makes about $1.8 billion, approximately N730 billion in year 2020 as GDP. Now that the focus is  on the sector with the creation of a new Ministry, we will do better in 2023-24 fiscal year in terms of GDP measurement .

    You are one of the leading lights in Ekiti State. Governor Biodun Oyebanji just constituted  his cabinet ten months after assuming office. Has this slowed down governance?

    I don’t think so. Don’t forget that the bulk of the jobs of governance are done by the top civil servants. I had been in the system before under the first term of Governor Kayode Fayemi when I was the Managing Director of Ekiti Investment Holdings. This holdings  was then the coordinating  arm for all government investments and I know what I am talking about. If you go to Ekiti State and feel the pulses of the people, you will know that they are pleased with the pace of development under Governor Oyebanji. I think he has brought about some unusual conducts into governance by his humility and closeness to the grassroots. The best legacy he is laying is the fact that the local governments and the Local Council Development Areas are now enjoying high level of financial independence to execute projects on their own. In fact it has become like a competition among the local government chairmen and that is good for the system. I have also seen some benefits of continuity in governance under him, with the completion of the Bus Terminal in Ado Ekiti and the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’  Chamber also in Ado Ekiti. All these projects were started under Governor Fayemi. I have also seen some road projects being completed like the Oke Oniyo road in Ado Ekiti, the Omisanjana- Deeper Life Camp-Ikere road bypass, that  is nearing completion. The governor has completed the renovation of  Ilawe-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi road among others. We are also seeing massive dredging of waterways and channelisation projects to control flooding. So, I don’t think the delay in the constitution of the full cabinet had really affected governance negatively. 

    Some Local Council Development Areas were created by past administration. Do you consider this a benefit to Ekiti or not?

    Just like I said earlier, the local government system is becoming more beneficial and more invigorated under  Governor Oyebanji and the LCDAs have been a source of benefit to our people. If you go to some of these LCDAs, they are even contesting in terms of projects’ execution with substantive local governments. Recently, I have seen and heard how the government had visited some LCDAS like Kajola, Irede, Gbonyin, Ajoni, and Ado Central to commission projects that were directly executed by the councils. All these showed that our people have started deriving the benefit of the creation of the LCDAs because we have a government that believes in freedom of the local government system.

    It seems opposition parties are  becoming very weak in Ekiti. Don’t you this this will make the current government complacent?

    Well, I am one of those who believed that strong and virile opposition is needed to strengthen democracy. But opposition too can’t behave irresponsibly when the ruling party is doing the right thing. Though I don’t want to delve into the issues of opposition in Ekiti or in Nigeria because I am not one of their members, but when it comes to Ekiti politics, the kind of politics being played by Governor Oyebanji may make it difficult for the opposition to be attacking him because he is very fair and inclusive. He has maintained cordial relationships with the arrowheads of opposition parties in Ekiti. Just recently,he visited two prominent opposition figures and former governors : Segun Oni and Ayo Fayose. He has also been getting advice from them on how best to deliver for our people. Most interesting is the fact that members of opposition were appointed as Special Advisers in his cabinet in the spirit of inclusivity, so it is a micro Unity Government that Governor Oyebanji is running in Ekiti.

    Your party, APC will be going into governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States. What is your expectation?

    My expectations are that we must retain Kogi and Imo States, while also go ahead to reclaim Bayelsa from the PDP. The APC candidate, David Lyon won in Bayelsa in the last governorship election, but lost the seat to PDP through judicial pronouncement. The APC had been able to establish a stronghold in Kogi with Governor Yahaya Bello winning two times to spend eight years. Governor Hope Uzodinma also came through judicial verdict like we had in Bayelsa. But whichever way it comes, APC remains the most organised and strongest party in Nigeria. I am particularly happy with what his Excellency and National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje is doing by ensuring that the party is united. He has been reaching out to aggrieved members to settle some disputes that are ripping our party apart. Today, former Governor Rochas Okorocha and Governor Uzodinma are on the same page. Similar efforts are being made in two other states to enhance unity in APC. In essence, the party must be united to be able to win and that the leadership is doing. So, I am confident the party will do   excellently well in these states.