President Tinubu Expected to Announce Cabinet Reshuffle Soon. What to Expect

A cabinet reshuffle is anticipated as President Tinubu meets with key advisers to evaluate ministerial performance

As discussions heighten, President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle announcement may take place soon, following recent key consultations. On Monday, the President held a crucial closed-door meeting with Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser on Policy Coordination. This meeting is seen as a pivotal step toward reshuffling the cabinet, a move long anticipated by various political stakeholders.

The office of the Special Adviser has been responsible for evaluating ministerial performance since November 2023. This performance review was part of an effort to ensure that cabinet members align with the administration’s goals. Ministers had signed a “Performance Bond,” and the office also introduced a “citizens’ delivery tracker” to assess the effectiveness of policies.

President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle announcement is expected to address ministerial vacancies, such as the positions left by Simon Lalong, former Minister of Labour and Employment, who now represents Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Another important role to fill is the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, which has been without a minister since Betta Edun was suspended amid scandals. There’s speculation that this ministry may be merged with the Ministry of Finance to streamline operations.

Additionally, a new Ministry of Livestock Development has been created, and its ministerial appointment is also expected to be part of President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle announcement. This new ministry aims to coordinate national livestock policies and development efforts.

Before his recent leave, President Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with some ministers during a Federal Executive Council meeting. His disappointment centered on the lack of public awareness regarding the administration’s achievements, despite significant policy progress. The President urged his ministers to engage more with the public to highlight these accomplishments.

There has been mounting pressure from political groups calling for President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle announcement, with some expressing frustration over the underperformance of certain ministers. Mustapha Audu, an APC chieftain, emphasized that over half of the current ministers are not meeting expectations, and the public is feeling disconnected from the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

However, not all political voices are calling for change. Some northern political groups have expressed confidence in the current ministers from the region, stating that a reshuffle is unnecessary. They particularly praised ministers handling defense, budget, and housing, urging the President to focus on addressing insecurity and economic challenges rather than reshuffling the cabinet.

As the nation awaits President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle announcement, many are eager to see how these changes will impact the administration’s future trajectory and the delivery of its policy promises.