In a significant move reflecting his administration’s commitment to accountability and performance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reshuffled his cabinet, relieving several ministers of their duties following a thorough evaluation based on public perception. This decision underscores the President’s dedication to ensuring that his team effectively serves the needs and expectations of Nigerians.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the cabinet reshuffle was the result of a meticulous assessment process led by Hadiza Bala Usman, the President’s Social Adviser on Policy. During an interview on AriseTV, Onanuga explained that this evaluation was not made lightly; it had been part of President Tinubu’s strategic plan since the ministers were sworn in last year.
Reflecting on the swearing-in ceremony in August 2023, Onanuga reminded viewers that President Tinubu had previously stated his authority to hire and fire ministers, emphasizing that he would not hesitate to remove those who failed to meet the administration’s expectations. This message was further reinforced during a ministerial retreat in October 2023, where the President reiterated his commitment to regularly review the performance of his cabinet members.
To facilitate this performance appraisal, Hadiza Bala Usman was entrusted with the task of collecting public feedback on the ministers’ effectiveness. A technology-driven approach was employed, enabling Nigerians to participate in the scoring of ministers based on their performance in various sectors. “Hadiza brought technology to it, asking Nigerians to score the ministers,” Onanuga stated. “The results were based on empirical facts and the public perception of these ministers. It was the people who actually did the scorecard, and the President acted on those results.”
As a result of this comprehensive review, several ministers have been removed from their positions, including Prof. Tahir Mamman (Minister of Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Minister of Women Affairs), Mohammed Gwarzo (Minister of State for Housing), Jamila Ibrahim (Minister of Youth Development), and Lola Ade-John (Minister of Tourism). Additionally, Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, has also been replaced.
This cabinet reshuffle is part of President Tinubu’s broader commitment to ensuring that his administration delivers on its promises to the Nigerian people. By holding ministers accountable for their performance and taking decisive action based on public feedback, the President aims to foster a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens and capable of making significant progress in key areas of governance.
As the nation observes these changes, the reshuffle signals a proactive approach to governance, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to public sentiment. The Tinubu administration appears determined to navigate the challenges facing the country effectively, aiming to enhance the overall performance and impact of its cabinet as it seeks to improve the lives of Nigerians.
