Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has announced a major reorganisation of his government, including the merger of key ministries and the removal of five ministers from his cabinet.
In what observers are calling the most significant shake-up since his administration took office, Mr Tinubu has dissolved the Ministry of Sports Development, transferring its responsibilities to a revamped National Sports Commission under the leadership of newly appointed chairman Shehu Dikko.
“Today, I approved eight key actions aimed at boosting efficiency within our administration to fulfill promises we made to Nigerians,” he said.
The restructuring also sees the Ministry of Niger Delta Development rebranded as the Ministry of Regional Development, with an expanded mandate to oversee all Regional Development Commissions.
In a move to streamline cultural and tourism sectors, the Federal Ministry of Tourism has been merged with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
The president has nominated seven new ministers, who now await Senate confirmation, whilst reassigning 10 others to different portfolios. Former Sports Minister Sunday Dare has been appointed as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation.
“All appointees must understand this administration’s eagerness and determination to set Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth,” Mr Tinubu said in a statement.
The reorganisation comes as Africa’s largest economy grapples with challenges including inflation and currency volatility