President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday submitted the names of seven new ministerial nominees to the National Assembly following the dismissal of six ministers from his cabinet.
This move aims to fill the vacancies left by their departure while also reflecting Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to restructure his administration. In addition to the new nominees, the President reassigned 10 ministers to new portfolios.
Among the newly nominated ministers is Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has been selected for the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Bianca, a distinguished diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman, has served in several key roles, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and a representative at the United Nations World Tourism Organization. She is also the widow of Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Nentawe Yilwatda
Nentawe Yilwatda has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, replacing the suspended Betta Edu. Yilwatda, an engineer and former Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, has a strong background in community development and engineering.
Maigari Dingyadi
Maigari Dingyadi, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs from 2019 to 2023, has been nominated for the Ministry of Labour and Employment. A political figure from Sokoto, Dingyadi has extensive experience in government, having held roles such as Secretary to the Sokoto State Government and Chairman of the National Commission for Colleges of Education.
Jumoke Oduwole
Jumoke Oduwole, an academic and former Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, is set to take over the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Oduwole, currently a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, has also served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade & Investment under the Office of the Vice President.
Idi Maiha
The newly created Ministry of Livestock Development will be led by Idi Maiha, the Chairman and CEO of Zaidi Farms Limited. Maiha, who has also served as Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, brings his experience in agriculture and energy to this new role.
Yusuf Ata
Yusuf Ata, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, has been named the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Ata has also served as Special Adviser on Assembly Matters and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Kano State.
Suwaiba Ahmad
Suwaiba Ahmad, a lecturer and gender advocate, has been appointed Minister of State for Education. Ahmad, who currently directs the Centre for Gender Studies at Bayero University, Kano, has had a long career in education and gender advocacy, holding various leadership roles at the university.
These appointments signal Tinubu’s intent to strengthen his administration as he continues to focus on key areas of development across the country.
