President Tinubu Announces Major Restructuring Of Ministries And Cabinet Portfolios.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping restructuring of Nigeria’s ministries and ministerial portfolios, aimed at improving the efficiency of his administration in delivering on key promises to the Nigerian people. The changes, which were announced by the Presidency in October 2024, include the renaming and merging of ministries, reassignment of ministers, and the appointment of new officials.
One of the most significant changes is the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development. This newly named ministry will oversee the activities of all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, South East Development Commission, North East Development Commission, and the North West Development Commission.
In a move designed to boost the country’s sports economy, the Ministry of Sports Development has been dissolved, with its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission. Shehu Dikko has been appointed Chairman of the Commission, and Sunday Akin Dare, former Minister of Sports, has been named Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation.
The reorganisation also sees the merger of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Arts and Culture into a new Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This merger is aimed at promoting Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries, alongside its tourism sector, to maximise economic potential.
Ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, while five ministers have been discharged from their roles. Among the notable reassignments, Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa has moved from his position as Minister of State for Health to become Minister of Education, and Ayodele Olawande has been promoted from Minister of State for Youth Development to Minister for Youth Development.
In addition, President Tinubu has nominated seven new ministers, whose appointments will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation. These include Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, nominated as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has been nominated as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The President expressed his gratitude to the outgoing ministers for their contributions to the nation and urged the newly appointed and reassigned ministers to see their roles as an opportunity to serve the nation. He emphasised the importance of dedication in advancing the administration’s goals for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
This extensive reshuffle is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to improve government functionality and ensure that his administration can deliver on its key priorities, including economic growth, poverty reduction, and national development.
