On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu responded to widespread calls for change by making significant adjustments to his cabinet. In this major reshuffle, five ministers were removed from office, ten were reassigned to different ministries, and seven new ministers were appointed. These fresh appointees are pending Senate confirmation. Here is a rundown of the new ministers and their respective portfolios:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday saw five ministers removed from office, but Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, held onto his position despite widespread calls for his dismissal following multiple national grid collapses. The reshuffle, which resulted in the sacking of high-profile ministers like Barr Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), came amidst Nigeria’s persistent power struggles. Notably, Adelabu escaped the axe, much to the surprise of many, especially after the recent grid collapses, which left Northern Nigerian states in darkness for three days.According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the blackout was caused by a fault in the 330kV Ugwaji–Apir Double Circuit transmission lines, which tripped on Monday, plunging parts of the North East, North West, and North Central into darkness. “The situation has yet to be resolved,” confirmed Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network. Despite the ongoing crisis in the power sector, including at least four grid collapses last week, Tinubu’s decision to retain Adelabu has been criticised. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) recently demanded the Power Minister’s removal due to “policy inconsistencies” and the lack of significant progress in addressing frequent blackouts. Student groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students, also called for Adelabu’s removal, aligning with experts in the power sector who have voiced concerns over his handling of the ongoing crisis. Despite these demands, the reshuffle focused on other ministers. With new appointees such as Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs) and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment), the reshuffle leaves questions about the future of Nigeria’s power sector unanswered.[24/10, 08:10] My Number Glo 2: Adelabu Survives Cabinet Reshuffle Despite Grid Failures Adelabu Retains Power Post Amidst Tinubu’s Cabinet Shake-up and Grid FailuresIn. A major cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed five ministers, but Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, surprisingly kept his position despite widespread criticism over recent national grid collapses. The reshuffle affected prominent ministers such as Barr Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), amidst Nigeria’s ongoing electricity challenges.Adelabu’s retention shocked many, especially following the recent grid collapse that left parts of Northern Nigeria in darkness for three days. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) attributed the outage to a fault in the 330kV Ugwaji–Apir transmission lines, leaving the North East, North West, and North Central regions without power.Despite public outcry, including demands from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and student groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students for Adelabu’s removal, Tinubu’s reshuffle focused on other ministries. Critics point to the lack of progress in addressing persistent blackouts, which included four grid failures last week.The new appointees, such as Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs) and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment), add to the reshuffle’s intrigue, leaving the future of Nigeria’s troubled power sector uncertain.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. According to President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, the decision was made during the FEC meeting held on Wednesday, October 23, in Abuja, involving the president’s second cabinet. President Tinubu’s second cabinet is composed of 40 ministers, whom he appointed after the 2023 elections. The newly merged Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy is tasked with a broad range of responsibilities, including preserving Nigeria’s traditional customs, languages, art, and artifacts. Meanwhile, the tourism ministry is expected to identify, develop, preserve, and promote Nigeria’s tourism resources.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that they will soon begin to experience the positive outcomes of the president’s hard work and reforms. Addressing reporters upon Tinubu’s return from a two-week overseas trip, Gbajabiamila expressed confidence that the efforts of the president would soon bear fruit, promising that the nation would see the results of his administration’s policies in the near future. He emphasized that despite the current hardships, relief and progress were on the horizon for the country. According to Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s brief time abroad allowed him to rest and recharge after months of intense work at home. He explained that the president’s recent trip was essential, as Tinubu had been engaged in rigorous efforts to implement policies aimed at improving the nation’s economy, creating jobs, and addressing other pressing challenges. Now well-rested, Tinubu is prepared to continue his work, driving Nigeria toward sustainable development and progress. LMSINT MEDIA reports that President Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Saturday after a two-week stay abroad. Gbajabiamila spoke to the press at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of patience among Nigerians. “The kind of work President Tinubu has been engaged in for the past year and a half demands rest, and he has taken that much-needed break. Now that he’s back, fully rejuvenated, he is ready to pick up where he left off,” said Gbajabiamila. He further explained that Tinubu’s administration is focused on ensuring that the right policies are in place, and that they are implemented effectively. “The president is committed to guiding the country in the right direction. We are confident that Nigerians will soon begin to witness the positive results of his hard work.” Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful, noting that the administration is committed to delivering on its promises under the “Renewed Hope” agenda. He reiterated that Tinubu’s government is working diligently to improve the lives of all citizens and ensure a brighter future for Nigeria. “In due time, the efforts of President Tinubu and his team will yield significant results. We are all expectant and hopeful. The president is back, and he’s ready to continue the good work he’s been doing for the country,” he concluded.
