Tinubu’s Ministerial Reshuffle: Abubakar Momoh to Become Minister of Niger Delta Development; Oyetola, Tunji-Ojo, Alkali Assigned New Positions

President Bola Tinubu has made some adjustments to the ministerial portfolios he recently announced. These changes come shortly after he assigned roles to the 45 minister-designates who were screened and confirmed by the Senate.

According to a statement from the State House in Abuja on Sunday, the President appointed a new Minister for the Ministry of Niger Delta. Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson who signed the statement, also mentioned that the President had reassigned some of the minister-designates to other ministries. Additionally, some ministry names were changed for clarity.

The reshuffled ministerial portfolios affected transportation, interior, and marine & blue economy. The individuals affected by the reshuffle are as follows:

1. Adegboyega Oyetola was redeployed as the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy. He was initially posted to the Ministry of Transportation.
2. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo was redeployed as the Minister of Interior. He was previously in the Marine and Blue Economy ministry.
3. Sa’idu Alkali was redeployed as the Minister of Transportation. He previously served in the Ministry of Interior.

In terms of renamed ministries, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management has been renamed the Federal Ministry of Environment.

These changes are effective immediately as directed by the President

The Blue Economy, which Adegboyega Oyetola will oversee, refers to all economic activities related to oceans and their contributions to growth, improvement, and the preservation of environmental sustainability of the oceans. This concept is connected to Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Life Below Water.” The Blue Economy can contribute to food security, poverty reduction, and the overall well-being of nations.

The Blue Economy has the potential to boost Nigeria’s economy significantly. The ocean’s assets have been estimated to have a total value of $24 trillion. By tapping into this economy, Nigeria can create numerous employment opportunities. With a high unemployment rate and inflation, the Commonwealth report suggests that investing in the fishing sector could generate around 350 million jobs globally. Nigeria, with its abundant water bodies, can also contribute significantly to global fish consumption through aquaculture.

The Blue Economy can also help Nigeria address climate change challenges. Given the current climate crisis, the Blue Economy’s sustainable practices can aid in mitigating environmental problems.

Adegboyega Oyetola, the newly appointed Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, is a former governor of Osun State. He is a finance expert with a degree in insurance and a master’s in business administration from the University of Lagos. Prior to his governorship, he served as the Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola.