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In a move meant to address growing public discontent and economic instability, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has fired five ministers and appointed seven new ones in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, his office announced on Wednesday. The reshuffle, which also includes the reassignment of 10 other ministers, signals Tinubu's intent to streamline his administration and improve governance efficiency as Nigeria faces a mounting cost-of-living crisis.
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| Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu arrives for the closing session of the New Global Financial Pact Summit, June 23, 2023, in Paris. (Image: AP Photo/Lewis Joly] |
Under the reshuffle, key ministers in finance, defense, national planning, and two junior energy portfolios retained their positions, underscoring the president's confidence in their leadership amid the country’s economic turmoil.
However, the shake-up saw the dismissal of ministers responsible for education, tourism, women’s affairs, youth development, and a junior minister for housing, reflecting Tinubu's focus on attempting to revitalize underperforming sectors.
The cabinet overhaul also resulted in significant structural changes. The Ministry of Niger Delta Development has been rebranded as the Ministry of Regional Development, signaling a broader mandate, while the Ministry of Sports has been dissolved entirely.
Additionally, the ministries of tourism and arts and culture have been merged, demonstrating a push for efficiency through consolidation.
New appointments include ministers for humanitarian and poverty reduction, trade and investment, labor, and livestock development. Tinubu also named junior ministers for foreign affairs, education, and housing.
Tinubu, who assumed office last year, has introduced several reforms aimed at reducing government expenditure and attracting foreign investment.
However, these efforts have yet to yield significant results. Nigeria’s inflation rate has soared to a 28-year high, and the naira continues to lose value, reaching record lows against the dollar.
The cabinet reshuffle comes amid increasing frustration among the Nigerian populace, who are grappling with rising prices and a weakening currency in Africa’s most populous country and top oil producer.
Despite Nigeria’s status as a leading crude oil exporter, widespread poverty remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by chronic corruption.
Public officials often enjoy lifestyles far removed from the hardships faced by the general population, a stark contrast highlighted by recent scandals.
Last year, Tinubu approved millions of dollars in government spending for his presidential yacht and luxury vehicles for his wife and senior officials, raising questions about his administration's commitment to austerity.
(with news agencies)
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