Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has triggered widespread debate following a cabinet reshuffle that granted Ogun State the highest ministerial representation of any region, securing four cabinet members. This reshuffle, approved in the 19th Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, saw ten ministers reassigned, five dismissed, and seven nominees proposed, including Dr Jumoke Oduwole from Ogun as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. The appointments raise questions around federal character compliance and equitable representation, as well as Tinubu’s pledge for a leaner, cost-effective administration.
The President also introduced sweeping structural changes, including the renaming of the Niger Delta Ministry to the Ministry of Regional Development and a merging of the Tourism and Arts portfolios. But the spotlight remains on Ogun State’s influence, sparking criticism over regional equity.
Allwell Onyesoh, chair of the Senate Committee on Federal Character, argued that the Constitution mandates only one minister per state as a minimum requirement, while former Nigerian Bar Association President, Olisa Agbakoba, underscored the President’s prerogative, stating no law restricts him from appointing multiple ministers per state. However, critics like Professor Mike Ozekhome warn this decision breaches Section 14(3) of Nigeria’s Constitution by favouring one region, contravening the principle of equal representation.
Meanwhile, Tinubu issued new fiscal restrictions, reducing ministerial convoys and slashing official security and travel allowances as part of a broader effort to contain government expenses.
