Tinubu Seeks Ministers’ Scorecards as Cabinet Shake-Up Looms, Lobbying Intensifies

Ahead of an anticipated cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, several ministers and their political backers are making concerted efforts to secure their positions, sources within the Presidency have revealed.

On Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu is poised to assess the performance of his cabinet members and that a reshuffle is imminent, reaffirming an earlier report by The PUNCH on September 1.

This development has sparked intense lobbying by ministers and political heavyweights aiming to influence the President’s decisions. Presidential aides disclosed that some ministers have sought the intervention of key figures, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, in a bid to secure “soft landings” amid growing uncertainty over their future roles.

Performance-Based Reforms

One presidential aide confirmed the pressures, stating, “It is common for ministers to rely on their godfathers for support, but ultimately, the President will make decisions based on what is best for the country.”

Top officials also revealed that the Chief of Staff has been overwhelmed by the intense lobbying efforts. The President, advised to take a brief respite in the UK after attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, has reportedly been facing mounting pressure to act swiftly on the reshuffle.

Although a specific date for the shake-up is not confirmed, sources suggest that the President might announce changes by October 1. Addressing journalists, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media, O’Tega Ogra, reiterated that any reshuffling will be guided by performance reviews. These reviews are part of an ongoing evaluation led by Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, through the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.

“The President’s decision will not be arbitrary,” Ogra stressed, highlighting that the reshuffle will be based on “empirical evidence” collected over the past months.

Ministries Under Scrutiny

Rumors persist that underperforming ministries, such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, may be scrapped or merged with others as part of the shake-up. Other portfolios may also face restructuring to optimize efficiency.

Despite prior warnings from Tinubu about underperformance, his cabinet has remained largely intact since he assumed office, save for the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu. The Central Delivery Coordination Unit, established to measure the performance of ministers, is expected to play a pivotal role in determining who stays and who goes.

Public Discontent and Ministerial Achievements

Tinubu’s administration has faced increasing pressure from both his All Progressives Congress (APC) and the public to address the perceived underperformance of several ministers. Frustration is mounting over issues such as economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, and inadequate infrastructure, with many citizens feeling that the government has not delivered on its promises.

The #EndBadGovernance movement, which initiated protests in August, has announced plans for further demonstrations in October, underscoring the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration.

However, not all ministers have faced criticism. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) has been commended for his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has earned praise for initiatives aimed at curbing fake news and fostering national unity.

Atiku Bagudu (Minister of Budget and National Planning) successfully negotiated the 2023 Supplementary Budget and 2024 fiscal estimates but has faced criticism for policies that exacerbated economic difficulties.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, has made strides in reducing Nigeria’s revenue-to-debt service ratio and implementing strategic programs to boost food supply. Nonetheless, the economic hardships stemming from government policies persist, and Edun has been criticized for the slow implementation of social programs aimed at alleviating poverty.

In the digital sector, Minister of Digital Economy Bosun Tijani has driven progress in fostering innovation, particularly for Nigeria’s tech startups. However, he has yet to make significant headway in expanding internet access or establishing the long-promised “OneGov” platform for unified government services.

Impending Reshuffle: A Test of Tinubu’s Leadership

As the nation awaits the impending reshuffle, Tinubu faces a delicate balancing act. With a growing chorus of discontent and the need for impactful governance, the reshuffle could serve as a turning point for his administration.

Nigerians will be closely watching how Tinubu handles this pivotal moment, with expectations high for improved performance across key ministries.

This article is sourced from The Punch newspaper, with minor edits and adaptations by The Spectacles for clarity and readability.