President Bola Tinubu says he is not prepared to reduce the number of members of his cabinet.
In August 2023, the president swore in 45 ministers—the highest appointed since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
In October 2023, the president swore in three additional ministers, increasing the cabinet members to 48.
A year later, Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet, which led to the “discharge” of five ministers, the appointment of seven new ones, and the reassigning of fresh portfolios to 10 cabinet members.
Speaking during his first presidential media chat on Monday, Tinubu said every member of his cabinet is crucial to drive the mission of the administration.
“I’m not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet. I saw the need before I put them together,” he said.
“You don’t give somebody an assignment that they cannot fulfill. No. The job description must be efficient and effective.
“Nigeria is a large country. If you are to entertain over 200 million (people), just on entertainment. Calculate how many stewards you would require.
“Let’s pay attention to efficiency. Efficiency and effectiveness are the hallmarks of the philosophy behind that cabinet.
“I’m not ready to shrink a little bit of it. I need them. Show me one (that is not adding value).”
In December 2023, Simon Lalong, former governor of Plateau, resigned as minister of labour to pick up a seat in the senate, following a court of appeal judgment.
A month later, Tinubu suspended Betta Edu as minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, over alleged corruption.
