President Tinubu Mulls Cabinet Reshuffle, Change of Agency Heads
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is mulling a wholesale shake-up of his cabinet, with a possible overhaul of leadership in federal agencies and parastatals, said sources in the presidency.
The planned shake-up forms part of a master plan to sanitize the government for better efficiency and to change Nigeria’s administrative gear amid persistent economic and political mishaps.
This comes after a significant reshuffle of the cabinet in October 2024, when five ministers were dismissed, seven new ones hired, and 10 others allocated to different ministries. The reshuffle then was seen as an attempt by the Tinubu administration to correct its governance strategy due to worsening inflation, rising cost of living, and public outrage at government spending.
In addition to the cabinet reshuffle, the federal government also unveiled austerity measures for reducing the cost of governance. These involved reducing the number of official convoys, cutting the number of aides and cars ministers could use, and restricting government officials’ foreign travel.
The latest reports show that President Tinubu is now turning his attention to the running of federal agencies and parastatals, including directors-general (DGs) and managing directors (MDs). The majority of these agencies had been criticized for profligacy, duplication of functions, or high operating costs.
This would not be the first time Tinubu has taken bold action on federal appointments. In August 2024, the president made far-reaching high-profile changes in Nigeria’s national security structure, appointing new leaders to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), a show of his commitment to reengineering vital institutions.
In February 2024, the federal government intended to implement suggestions of the Oronsaye Committee Report—a 2012 report recommending the folding and scrapping of over 100 federal government agencies. The move, according to officials, would stem duplication of mandates, reduce wastage, and streamline the public sector. While full implementation is ongoing, the future restructuring of federal agencies may be a continuation of that reform agenda.
Though there has not been any announcement from the presidency, the rumor has generated mammoth speculation. Most Nigerians perceive the looming reshuffle as an opportunity for the president to infuse his government with a fresh lease of life, especially at a time when popular unhappiness with the economy and government spending is high.
Political observers opine that such a move would not only demonstrate Tinubu’s commitment to change but also his readiness to be surrounded by committed and experienced individuals who will drive his Renewed Hope Agenda more effectively.
As the Tinubu administration approaches the end of its first year in office, expectations are high for real change in the manner it governs. If approved, a comprehensive shake-up of ministers and agency heads would be a significant step toward institutional reform and a slimmer, more responsible government.
