By Okeke Eunice
President Bola Tinubu has authorized a reshuffle of his ministerial cabinet and combined two ministries into one.
This decision was announced during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, as stated by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson.
Onanuga confirmed that the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development have been eliminated.
Furthermore, Tinubu has approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy.
“President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council have dissolved the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development.”
A new Ministry of Regional Development will be established to oversee all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, and North East Development Commission.
The National Sports Commission will assume the responsibilities of the Ministry of Sports.
Additionally, the Federal Executive Council has approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, according to Onanuga.
President Tinubu is facing increasing pressure to reorganize his cabinet amid claims that some ministers are underperforming.
Last month, Onanuga indicated that a cabinet reshuffle was on the horizon.
During a press conference at the State House in Abuja, Onanuga voiced concerns that, despite significant efforts, Nigerians remain unaware of the administration’s accomplishments.
He stated, “The President has shown a willingness to reshuffle his cabinet, and he will proceed with it. I can’t confirm whether this will happen before October 1, but it will definitely occur. That’s all I can share for now, as no specific timeline has been set.”
Regarding the administration’s performance, Onanuga remarked, “At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, the President directed all ministers to actively promote the government’s initiatives.
“Some ministers have been reluctant to engage with the media, including television and radio. The President wants them to break this habit and effectively communicate their work to the public.
“There’s a prevailing sentiment that the government isn’t doing enough, yet a lot is being accomplished. It’s essential for them to go out and highlight what their ministries are doing.”