Renewed Hope or Renewed ‘Shege’? Meet Tinubu’s New Ministers

President Tinubu’s recently released list of portfolios for his ministers has generated widespread reactions amongst Nigerians as many question Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

The list, which includes a group of people battling corruption cases and those who failed to deliver maximally at their previous positions, has left many Nigerians sad as they believe they could be in for a long ride with ‘shege.’

Let’s examine the ministers and bring details that can either boost your hope for better governance, make you japa or drive you to your knees for intense prayers. 

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy – Bosun Tijani

Bosun Tijani, CEO and co-founder of CcHub has a robust background in Economics and Computer Science coupled with a PhD in Innovation and Economic Development from the University of Leicester.

Tijani who transformed a local hub in Yaba into a pan-African tech incubator, has to deal with multiple taxation, right of way, and vandalism plaguing the sector. 

He will also need to work with experienced heads to oversee Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat), Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management – Ishak Salako

Ishak Salako served as a commissioner for Health in Ogun State. As a medical practitioner, Salako will focus on addressing environmental issues and ensuring the effective coordination of all environmental matters in the country.

Salako would prioritise various wolves involving the national goals on desertification, deforestation, pollution and waste management and drive Nigeria towards cleaner energy.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy – Wale Edun

Wale Edun is expected to use his strong financial background to tackle the soaring inflation rate, the weakening Naira to exchange rate, and coordinate the economic activities of other ministries.

The finance minister who served as the Honourable Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State for two unprecedented terms (1999-2007) during Tinubu’s, is expected to work closely with the President to renew the hopes of Nigerians.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy – Bunmi Tunji

Bunmi Tunji takes on the new ministry with the sole aim of unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s vast marine resources. Bunmi moved from representing Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives to represent Ondo state as a minister.

As marine and blue economy minister, he is expected to bring all maritime and maritime-related departments under one roof for effective ocean administration.

Minister of Power – Adedayo Adelabu

Adebayo Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State has Nigeria’s decade-long power crisis to contend with.

He will be responsible for introducing urgent reforms that will bring the nation’s energy sector to par with global standards.

Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare – Tunji Alausa

Tunji Alausa, a Nephrologist and founder of the Kidney Care Center in the United States has led multiple medical missions from the US to Lagos State.

Alausa inherits a myriad of problems in the sector including outbound medical tourism, deteriorating medical infrastructure, low government budget allocation, poor compensation and the subsequent emigration of skilled healthcare workers.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake

Dele Alake, a former commissioner for Information and strategy in Lagos State (1997-2007) who has little or no background in the mining sector is expected to oversee Nigeria’s 44 different types of minerals.

Alake will oversee parastatals and tackle issues like inadequate basic infrastructure, illegal mining, unfavourable laws, high capital outlay, and inadequate professionals in the sector.

Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John

Lola Ade-John, a distinguished Information and Technology expert made significant contributions to Ecobank Nigeria throughout her three-decade-long career. 

It is expected that she wields her tech background in providing issues on taxation, travel marketing, infrastructure issues, and security and cross-border regulations.

Minister of Transportation, Adegboyega Oyetola

Oyetola, former Osun governor has been compensated for his loss at the 2022 Osun gubernatorial election with the office of the minister of transportation.

Nigerians are hopeful that he will properly monitor and implement transportation policies and programmes so that the ‘shege’ transport officers show them will reduce. 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite

Doris Anite holds a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter with a specialization in Financial Risk Management and Portfolio Management. 

As a former Imo commissioner, she took charge of vital functions at Zenith Bank, including Fixed Income and Currency Trading, Asset and Liability Management, Treasury Corporate Sales, and Financial Institutions.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji

Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie was the gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election.

Nnaji will ensure the development and deployment of science and technology apparatus to enhance the pace of the socio-economic development of the country.

Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha

Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejocha serves as the voice for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State.

She has introduced several bills and motions that have positively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens and safeguarded their rights. 

Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy

Uju Kenedy, stood out as the sole female Presidential Aspirant competing for the APC Presidential Ticket in 2022.

With a law background, Uju established Kenuj Angels School in Abuja and is the MD/CEO of Kenuj O2 Malls in Abuja and Owerri.

Minister of Works, David Umahi

The former governor of Ebonyi State co-founded Norman Engineering and Construction Nig. Limited in 1990. 

His civil engineering background has seen him contribute the organizations like Brass Engineering & Construction Nig. Ltd., Focus Investment Nig. Ltd., and Osborn La Palm Royal Resort Ltd.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, a former minister of Labour and Employment during the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu has promised not to disappoint.

Keyamo will oversee air transportation, airport development and maintenance, provision of aviation infrastructural services and other needs.

Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh

With a passion for education, Engineer Momoh was actively involved in student politics and served as a member of the House of Representatives for the Etsako Federal Constituency.

As youth minister, Momoh will have to harness the nation’s young talent and overturn the “Jakpa
syndrome.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu

Some Nigerians are excited that Betta Edu, a former APC National Women Leader will strengthen the social investment scheme and reactivate the lost hope of Nigerians over the management of the social investment program.

Betta has reportedly been a philanthropist with traceable records of several philanthropic schemes and other humanitarian services.

Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo

Ekperikpe Ekpo was a member of the Federal House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. He will work to implement the policies passed by the Tinubu administration that are geared towards making Nigeria a gas-based country.

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri

Heineken Lokpobiri, a former Nigerian Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development is expected to resolve challenges affecting the oil sector, especially the issues of crude oil theft, and lack of oil investments.

Most importantly, he is to ensure further development of Nigeria’s oil assets to increase revenues from the oil sector.

Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh

Enoh represented the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in the 8th Assembly between 2015 and 2019.

The sports minister who has no traceable connection with sports in the past has a huge task of reviving the ailing sports sector. 

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

Wike, former governor of Rivers state is the second southerner to head the FCT after Ajose Adeogun, the only person from the region.

His appointment could see him complete his migration to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, whom he reportedly worked for during the 2023 presidential election.

Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa

Hannatu Musawa, the current presidential adviser on the culture and entertainment economy. Hannatu is a qualified lawyer in England and Wales, UK; and a member of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators. 

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru

Mohammed Badaru, former governor of Jigawa State, is one of those ministers whose appointments have generated criticisms. 

Reacting to his appointment, Shehu Sani tweeted: “Given the security challenges faced by this country, I thought the Defence Minister should be a retired Military officer with experience and records of accomplishments. That office shouldn’t be just political, especially at this time.”

Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle

With a N70 billion fraud probe hanging on his neck, Bello Matawalle has been assigned to provide administrative and support services, timely and effectively to enable the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Minister of State Education, Yusuf T. Sunumu

Yusuf T.Sunumu is a member representing Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State.

Sunumu was a Member of the Board of Management Federal Medical Centre Katsina (2013), Member of the Board of Management Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto(2018).

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed M. Dangiwa

Dangiwa ran in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC primary election in May 2022 to seek the party’s ticket for the governorship election in Katsina state in 2023. He is also a former CEO/MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN.

Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullah T. Gwarzo

Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo is a former Deputy Governor of Kano State and former Gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

As deputy governor, he supervised the state ministry for water resources, where he superintended the construction of 75,000,000 litres per day, Watari water works, and the reticulation of the greater Kano water project, which earned him the mantra ‘RUWA BABA’.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu

The role played by Atiku Bagudu as the bag man of the evil dictator, General Muhammed Sani Abacha, in his infamous desecration and plunder of the national treasury will not be forgotten in a rush.

This is as the nation continues its fight to recover the amount of money Abacha shipped out of the country with the alleged connivance of Bagudu.

Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Mairiga Mahmud

Mairiga Mahmud replaced Maryam Shetty on Tinubu’s ministerial nominees list. She held significant positions in the ministry of President Muhammadu Buhari, including those of Minister of State for the Niger Delta and Minister of Labor and Productivity. 

She was also the spokesman for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization during the 2023 presidential election cycle.

Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello M. Goronyo

Bello Goronyo played an active role as director of youth mobilisation North West in the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

His experience as Commissioner Ministry for Solid Minerals & Natural Resources Development, Sokoto State and Commissioner, of the Ministry of Energy Development, Sokoto State comes in handy as he takes on the new role.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari

Abubakar Kyari, former acting national chairman of the ruling Party of the All Progressives Congress is expected to drive Tinubu’s vision geared towards food security.

Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi was a Senator from Niger North Senatorial District of Niger State at the 8th National Assembly and 9th National Assembly. 

He will work with Kyari to make Tinubu’s food security vision a reality.

Minister of Education, Tahir Maman

Tahir Mamman is the current Vice-chancellor of Baze University Abuja. Having served as an educational administrator and the Director-general of the Nigeria Law School from 2005 to 2013, Maman will use his experience to tackle the problems of lack of dependable infrastructural facilities, inadequate budgetary allocation, high cost of education, poor planning, and non-utilization of educational research conducted.

Minister of Interior, Sa’Idu A. Alkali

Alkali who has served as a Gombe North Senator since 2011 lost his reelection bid to Former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

He holds the honorary title of Sarkin Gabas Dukku and he is reportedly an intimate friend of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf M. Tuggar

Yusuf is Nigeria’s current ambassador to Germany. He was CEO of Nordic Oil and Gas Services Limited, Lekki Lagos State, Lbnerg Limited Port Harcourt, Occitania International Limited, Lekki Lagos State and the CEO of Tuguma Enterprises Limited.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate

Ali Pate has a big job of managing one of the weakest healthcare systems in the world, with millions of people lacking access to even basic care.

The Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership in the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard University has pledged to make sweeping reforms to the system.

Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam

Ibrahim Geidam, a former governor of Yobe State, worked in several government ministries in the old Borno State, later Yobe State.

The former senator takes on a ministry that has been laced with incessant abuses of human rights, collection of bribes and corruption and the flagrant shooting of innocent people.

Minister of State, Steel Development, U. Maigari Ahmadu

Maigari was impeached as a Deputy Governor of Taraba state under controversial circumstances. 

He will be charged with repositioning the mining industry and ensuring an astronomic growth of gross domestic product (GDP).

Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu A. Audu

Shuaibu A. Audu, the son of former Kogi Governor, Late Prince Abubakar Audu has been described as a round peg in a round hole. 

Audu is expected to bring his wealth of experience and ensure that the ministry experiences the technological advancement the country has long yearned for.

represents Mubi North/Mubi South/Mahia federal constituency of Adamawa state in the House of Representatives.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris

Alhaji Mohammed Idris is a seasoned media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political leader, that has been described as being capable of driving the nation’s communication and orientation efforts within Tinubu’s cabinet. 

His strong communication background, leadership role at Bifocal Communications Limited and proficiency in media entrepreneurship and public relations equips him to effectively communicate and engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi

Lateef Fagbemi is the lead counsel of the All Progressives Congress at the Presidential Election Petitions Court sitting in Abuja.

He will oversee the legal arm of the Federal Government that brings cases before the judiciary on behalf of the government.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon B. Lalong

Simon Bako Lalong served as governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023. As the Conciliator-in-Chief of the country, Lalong must have the ability to work as a government official without being a government officer.

Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is the immediate past Federal Commissioner of the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants, And Internally Displaced Persons.

She also assumed the crucial role of Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for six months, from December 2020 to May 2021.

Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo

Zephaniah is the first FCT Native to become a minister. He previously represented Abuja Municipal/Bwari Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja. 

The public relations expert worked with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 1990 to 2002.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev

Utsev is a former commissioner for Environment and Water Resources under the government of Samuel Ortom in Benue State.

The civil engineer and former Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Wanune in Tarka LGA of Benue State, is an associate professor at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.