President Tinubu Plans Evidence-Based Cabinet Reshuffle

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to reshuffle his cabinet as part of ongoing efforts to enhance governance and performance within his administration. The confirmation of the proposed reshuffling was made by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Mr. Onanuga, addressing journalists, stated, “The President has indicated his intention to change his cabinet, but there is no specific timeline set for this process.” He emphasized that the reshuffle would be guided by empirical evidence, suggesting that public opinion and performance metrics would play a significant role in the decisions.

The current administration, which came into power in August 2023, comprises 42 ministers overseeing various government ministries. The planned reshuffle comes amid efforts to improve economic conditions and enhance public administration across Nigeria.

Onanuga noted that President Tinubu’s focus is on ensuring that the ministers work effectively towards achieving the administration’s goals. He explained that during a retreat organized for ministers after their swearing-in, President Tinubu highlighted his commitment to regularly evaluate their performance.

In the light of these evaluations, the President will decide which ministers may be replaced or retained. This approach aligns with practices observed globally, where cabinet reshuffles are a typical mechanism to ensure efficient administration.

Political analyst Eugene Abels remarked on the significance of such reshuffles, noting that any newly elected president should enter office with a clear plan, supported by competent ministers to execute it. He commented, “When coming into office, you need your best team in front of the people’s representatives for approval.”

Looking back, Abels highlighted past instances of cabinet reshuffles by former Nigerian Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, indicating that adjustments based on performance and strategic needs are not uncommon.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser, Hadiza Bala Usman, has been tasked with measuring the performances of the ministers. Public and internal assessments will inform the reshuffle decisions to ensure alignment with the administration’s objectives.

It remains to be seen which ministers will stay or depart, as Onanuga reiterated the absence of a fixed schedule for when the changes will be made.