The current economic crisis and security challenges in Nigeria have led to increasing pressure on President Bola Tinubu to reorganize his cabinet. Key figures within his administration, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and several first-term governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are advocating for the removal of underperforming ministers and agency heads. They believe that such changes are necessary to enhance the government’s performance and improve its public image.
Despite the mounting calls for action, President Tinubu has been hesitant to make significant changes, particularly concerning some of his trusted aides. This reluctance has reportedly caused tension between the President and the Vice President, with concerns that the ongoing issues could impact the governors’ chances of re-election in 2027.
The Vice President’s push for cabinet reshuffling is seen as a response to the ongoing dissatisfaction with the administration’s performance. Sources indicate that this issue has been a topic of discussion since the administration marked its first year in office, but decisive action has yet to be taken. The situation has led to a rift within the administration, with some close to the President suggesting that certain advisors have not been forthcoming with critical information regarding ministerial performance.
Recent developments indicate that the President has received performance evaluations from his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, which could lead to imminent changes in the cabinet. Each minister had previously signed a performance contract, with the understanding that failure to meet set objectives could result in dismissal. The establishment of the Result and Delivery Unit, tasked with monitoring the performance of government officials, suggests that the administration is preparing to address these concerns more proactively.
Overall, the pressures for a cabinet reshuffle reflect broader anxieties about governance and performance within the Tinubu administration, as stakeholders seek to ensure that the government can effectively tackle the numerous challenges facing the nation.