Beyond the cabinet reshuffle
As President Bola Tinubu approaches a cabinet reshuffle 17 months into his tenure, the move comes as a necessary response to growing public dissatisfaction with the performance of several ministers.
Speculation around this reshuffle has intensified in recent weeks, driven by a widespread belief that certain portfolios have not lived up to expectations.
The administration’s track record thus far has been mixed at best, largely rooted in unfulfilled campaign promises and erratic policy decisions.
Despite the President’s commitment to “hit the ground running,” it took nearly three months to form a cabinet. This delay stifled momentum and left critical issues unaddressed during a pivotal period for governance.
The government’s early days were marred by the contentious “subsidy is gone” policy, implemented without a coherent plan to alleviate the ensuing crisis.
The absence of proactive ministers during this tumultuous time left citizens feeling abandoned and contributed to a sense of stagnation that has lingered in public perception.
In light of these challenges, a reshuffle is not just timely; it is imperative. It offers an opportunity for President Tinubu to recalibrate his administration and appoint individuals capable of driving meaningful change. Such a move could reinvigorate public trust and demonstrate a commitment to effective governance.
Ultimately, the success of this reshuffle will depend on the President’s ability to choose leaders who not only resonate with his vision but also possess the expertise to navigate the complexities of their respective portfolios.
The time for decisive action is now; the Nigerian public deserves a government that is responsive, accountable, and ready to deliver on its promises.
The President initially promised a “cabinet of technocrats,” but ultimately unveiled a cabinet primarily composed of politicians. This has resulted in a mixed profile—some positive, some negative, and some disappointing.
While the President established a policy coordination unit to enhance performance and hold ministers accountable, the tangible impact has been minimal. Only a handful of ministers have shown real competence. Instead of achieving the collective goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the country has seen sporadic successes driven by individual efforts.
The first 16 months of this administration have been marked by missed opportunities that need to be addressed. To turn things around in the next two and a half years, the administration must reevaluate its strategies and truly commit to its promises. The policy coordination unit should focus on progressive evaluations with clear timelines, rather than simply conducting post-mortem analyses, to ensure meaningful results.
Many sectors of national life suffer from chronic underfunding and crumbling infrastructure, yet a few ministers have managed to effect meaningful change.
The bold initiatives, programs, and innovations led by the ministers of the FCT, Interior, and Works stand out as examples of thoughtful leadership fueled by genuine passion. To drive further progress, President Tinubu should seek out more leaders with vision and creativity to invigorate other sectors.
However, many ministers are underperforming and clearly require oversight to be effective. Some struggle to even articulate their minor accomplishments, revealing a lack of initiative.
The situation in the Petroleum Ministry, which Tinubu personally oversees, is particularly dire. Balancing this critical portfolio with his presidential duties is proving challenging, especially given that oil revenues account for 90 percent of the national budget.
To navigate the ongoing economic crisis, Tinubu should consider appointing a capable leader to manage this essential ministry, allowing for focused and effective governance in a key area of the economy.
The current cabinet, with its unwieldy 47 members, stands as the largest in the Fourth Republic and is misaligned with Nigeria’s economic needs. The President should consider streamlining this assembly to a more manageable size, prioritising technocrats and a select few politicians with proven track records to drive his agenda forward.
Nigeria urgently requires leaders who possess both experience and a forward-thinking mindset, capable of navigating today’s digital landscape.
This is not the moment to appoint critical ministries to political allies or those who have been out of the game for years, as they may lack an understanding of contemporary economic challenges.
Ideally, the cabinet should be formed discreetly, with the President collaborating closely with trusted advisors to minimise distractions and lobbying pressures.
While the proposed reshuffle has unfortunately become a public topic, the President must remain focused, demonstrating the courage to select only the most competent individuals for these crucial roles.
