In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has introduced seven new ministers, dismissed five, and made adjustments to ten others, according to a spokesperson on Wednesday.
Since taking office last year, Tinubu’s rapid reform initiatives have raised hopes that his leadership could address the escalating economic challenges facing Africa’s largest oil producer. However, 16 months into his tenure, key elements of his economic strategy—such as the devaluation of the naira and the reduction of petrol and electricity subsidies—have led to a sharp rise in inflation, now at 32.70%, exacerbating the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting many citizens.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga detailed that the new appointments include ministers responsible for humanitarian and poverty reduction, trade and investment, labor, livestock development, as well as junior ministers for foreign affairs, education, and housing.
Notable cabinet members retaining their positions include the ministers of finance, defense, national planning, and two junior energy ministers. In contrast, the ministers overseeing education, tourism, women’s affairs, youth development, and a junior housing minister were dismissed.
Onanuga reported that the President expressed gratitude to the departing members of the Federal Executive Council for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors. Notably, Tinubu has yet to appoint a permanent petroleum minister.