- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced significant changes, merging key ministries
- The Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development have been abolished
- The Ministry of Tourism to be merged with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a reshuffle of his ministerial cabinet, merging two ministries into one, following his return to the State House in Abuja after a two-week working vacation in the United Kingdom.
The announcement was made during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, October 23, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Tinubu scraps Sports, Niger Delta ministries
According to Onanuga, the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development have been scrapped as part of the restructuring.
“President Tinubu and Federal Executive Council scrap Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of sports development,” Onanuga stated.
Recall, that Onanuga had earlier hinted that ministers not actively contributing to the administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda" might soon be replaced.
Ministry of Tourism merges with Culture and Creative Economy
Upon his return on Saturday, President Tinubu engaged in extensive meetings with aides, suggesting that further changes to his cabinet may be forthcoming.
The anticipated reshuffle comes amid criticism regarding the current cabinet, with some observers claiming that several ministers are in their positions due to political patronage rather than merit.
Onanuga further disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism will now merge with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy to enhance operational efficiency.
National Sports Commission takes over functions of Sports ministry
“There will now be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, North East Development Commission.
“The National Sports Commission will take over the role of the Ministry of Sports.
The FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy,” Onanuga stated.
I’m ready to take hard decisions to move Nigeria forward — Tinubu
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Tinubu acknowledged the challenges leaders face in achieving national consensus on critical issues.
The President, during his visit to Beijing, affirmed his commitment to making tough decisions necessary for Nigeria's progress.