Cabinet Reshuffle: Senate Must Ensure Rigorous Screening of Ministers

Cabinet Reshuffle

Following President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle, the Senate’s upcoming screening of the ministerial nominees must be thorough and rigorous, for better outcomes.

Development Diaries reports that President Tinubu forwarded his request to the Senate to confirm the seven ministerial nominees. The Senate is set to screen the nominees on 29 October.

This came after a significant cabinet reshuffle that resulted in the removal of five ministers and the dissolution of two ministries – Sports and Niger Delta.

With Nigeria facing a range of complex issues, from high unemployment and economic instability to challenges in education, to pressing humanitarian challenges, these appointments come at a pivotal moment.

If confirmed, each nominee will be tasked with addressing deeply entrenched problems in their respective ministries, a responsibility that requires proven competence and a proactive approach.

The nominees include Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction,  Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.

Others are Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development, Idi Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State, Housing and, Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State, Education.

Given the urgent nature of the nation’s challenges, Nigerians cannot afford trial-and-error appointments.

While there are still concerns about how the appointments do nothing to reduce the president’s bloated cabinet and cut governance costs, there are still expectations for the new ministers.

The screening process should go beyond mere formalities, and ensure that only individuals with a clear understanding of their ministry’s demands and the capacity to execute policies effectively are confirmed.

For the ministers, once confirmed, it is expected that they rise to the occasion and deliver results from the outset.

They must prioritise the pressing issues within their ministries, drive measurable improvements, and foster transparency and accountability.

The expectation is that each minister will develop and implement strategic initiatives that reflect the citizens’ needs and the administration’s commitment to national progress.

For example, it is expected that the ministerial-nominee in charge of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Yilwatda, would initiate people-friendly policies, to address poverty.

Nigerians have been vocal in demanding capable and impactful governance, and these ministerial roles should be no exception.

Development Diaries calls on the Senate to exercise diligence and rigour in this screening process, probing each nominee’s qualifications, integrity, and vision for their designated role.

We also urge citizens to watch closely, the actions of the appointees, as genuine, impactful change will be expected across all sectors.

Photo source: The Nigerian Senate

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