President Bola Tinubu is reportedly planning a significant cabinet reshuffle, which may include scrapping the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This move comes after mounting pressure from within and outside his party, the All Progressives Congress, to address underperformance within his cabinet.
Reasons Behind the Reshuffle
The President had previously warned against underperformance about 10 months ago, but the cabinet has remained largely intact, except for the suspension of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. Last November, Tinubu announced a performance evaluation system, stating that underperforming ministers would be let go.
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Under Scrutiny
Established in August 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development aimed to streamline humanitarian interventions, disaster response, and social welfare programs. However, the ministry has faced allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency, particularly under its first minister, Sadiya Farouq, and her successor, Dr. Betta Edu.
Potential Changes
Sources suggest that the reshuffle will involve:
– Splitting portfolios: Some ministries will be divided into separate entities.
– Merging ministries: Others will be combined for greater efficiency.
– Scrapping ministries: Ministries deemed unnecessary, like the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, may be eliminated.
– Ministerial replacements: Underperforming ministers will be replaced ¹.
Timing and Lobbying
The President plans to finalize the reshuffle before attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Frantic lobbying has begun, with some cabinet members seeking influence from their patrons ¹. However, the President is expected to prioritize the country’s interests over individual interests.
This cabinet reshuffle marks a significant shift in President Tinubu’s administration, aiming to enhance efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness in governance.
