From Our Correspondent
The Presidency has confirmed that a major cabinet reshuffle is imminent, with up to 11 ministers expected to be relieved of their duties.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, also attended the briefing but did not provide a specific timeline for the reshuffle. However, he hinted that an official announcement could be made by the end of the week.
Sources revealed that the reshuffle had been postponed following the conclusion of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier this week. Onanuga noted that while President Bola Tinubu plans to shake up his cabinet, it remains uncertain whether the changes will occur before the October 1 Independence Day celebration.
Reports suggest that Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, could be among those affected. Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Works and Housing, has been identified as a potential replacement, although Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the current principal secretary to the President, is also considered a strong candidate.
The reshuffle is seen as a response to growing pressure from stakeholders for a more efficient cabinet. A comprehensive review of ministerial performance is currently underway. Some ministers may be moved to different ministries, while others will face dismissal due to underperformance.
Among the ministers who may be affected are Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy), Ishak Salaco (Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management), Atiku Bagudu (Minister of Budget and Economic Planning), and Doris Anite (Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment). There is also speculation that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by Betta Edu, could be scrapped amid allegations of corruption.
Additionally, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is expected to receive support in the form of a junior minister, with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, being a likely candidate.
The anticipated reshuffle follows increasing dissatisfaction from the public regarding the performance of the current administration’s 45-member cabinet, which was appointed by President Tinubu a year ago. Many Nigerians have expressed concerns over the team’s effectiveness, especially in addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
The reshuffle aims to realign the administration's efforts with President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda.
