President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has yet to reconvene the Federal Executive Council (FEC) 44 days after the inaugural cabinet session on August 28, prompting questions about its potential impact on governance in Nigeria.
The Federal Executive Council, chaired by the president, plays a crucial role as the cabinet of the Federal Government of Nigeria, functioning as an advisory body to the president, as outlined in the Ministers’ Statutory Powers and Duties Act.
President Tinubu, on August 21, inaugurated 45 ministers who attended the maiden cabinet meeting in Abuja on August 28. However, he was frequently abroad in September, attending the G20 Summit in India and holding discussions in the UAE, followed by his participation in the United Nations General Assembly in the United States.
Despite Vice President Kashim Shettima’s availability to preside over FEC meetings during this period, the meetings did not occur. The delay is attributed to a pending ministerial retreat, which all ministers are expected to undergo, internalizing the documents outlining their mandates and targets.
President Tinubu has continued to receive briefings from ministers and agency heads during this period. However, there is a difference in his approach to the FEC’s functions, emphasizing policy advisory and supervision rather than the traditional practice of weekly contract award announcements.
Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director of the Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), urged the government to convene the FEC meeting to address socio-economic challenges and renew the hopes of Nigerians.
Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), emphasized the need for citizens to pressure the government for good governance, given the current crisis and multiple challenges facing Nigeria.
Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre (PAACA), urged the government to tackle challenges with intentionality and called for a proactive approach to governance.
