Indications have emerged that some ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet are feeling anxious as discussions about a potential reshuffle gain momentum.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, recently hinted at this reshuffle, suggesting that those ministers deemed inactive or not contributing to the Renewed Hope Agenda could be replaced.
Criticism has been directed at the current ministers, with claims that many hold their positions due to political patronage rather than merit. Prior to announcing his cabinet, there were high expectations for a team predominantly made up of technocrats.
Sources close to the Presidency revealed that a performance evaluation of the ministers has been compiled by Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit. She has reportedly been thorough in her assessment, leading to increased jitters among some ministers, who have attempted to lobby her for favorable reviews. However, insiders describe her as strict and unyielding, citing her previous role as Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority.
The reshuffle aims to introduce new faces to help realize the President’s agenda. A recent meeting between President Tinubu and Mrs. Usman, along with key officials including the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zaccheus Adedeji, and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, further underscores the administration’s focus on evaluating and potentially reconfiguring its leadership team.