NIGERIA: Senate Begins Screening of Seven New Ministerial Nominees Following Cabinet Reshuffle

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has initiated the screening of seven new ministerial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu, marking the latest step in the administration’s recent cabinet reshuffle aimed at recalibrating its approach to key areas such as humanitarian affairs, labor, and education.

The nominees appearing before the Senate include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, nominated for Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Dingyadi for Minister of Labour and Employment; Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole for Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development.

Others nominated are Idi Muktar Maiha for Minister of Livestock Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing, and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

In an extraordinary session, the Senate suspended its rules at 12:57 p.m. on Wednesday to admit the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado. 

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion that enabled Lado to bring the nominees into the plenary, underscoring the administration’s urgency in moving forward with new cabinet appointments.

Senate President GodsWill Akpabio had earlier read President Tinubu’s letter nominating the new ministers, prompting today’s proceedings. 

This development follows Tinubu’s decision to dismiss five ministers, signaling a shift in focus and possibly a new strategy in various ministries. 

Those relieved of their posts included Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.