The Nigerian Senate has officially commenced the screening process for seven newly nominated ministers as part of President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle. The nominees include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who has been proposed as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Muhammadu Dingyadi, nominated for Minister of Labour and Employment.
Also on the list are Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is set to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, nominated as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development. Additional nominees include Idi Muktar Maiha for Minister of Livestock Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing, and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, who will serve as Minister of State for Education.
The screening session was initiated following a motion moved by the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, at 12:57 PM on Wednesday. The Senate suspended its rules to allow the Special Adviser to the President on Senate matters, Basheer Lado, to present the nominees to the plenary.
Senate President GodsWill Akpabio announced the nominations on Thursday, reading a letter from President Tinubu detailing the new appointments. This announcement reflects a strategic reshuffling in the cabinet aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of governance.
The cabinet reshuffle comes on the heels of significant changes, including the dismissal of five ministers. Those removed include Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.
As the screening process unfolds, the Senate will assess the qualifications and readiness of the nominees to undertake their respective roles in the administration.
