The Senate has officially commenced the screening of seven newly nominated ministers following President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle. The nominees, who are expected to bring new energy and expertise to critical ministries, appeared before the Senate for the thorough evaluation of their qualifications and visions for their respective portfolios.
The nominations include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda for Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu for the role of Minister of State, Foreign Affairs. Others are Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, nominated for Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development; Idi Muktar Maiha for Minister of Livestock Development; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata as Minister of State, Housing; and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State, Education.
The Senate’s swift action was prompted by a motion from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which allowed the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, to escort the nominees into the chamber. The screening comes just days after Senate President GodsWill Akpabio received the official nomination letter from President Tinubu.
This cabinet reorganization included the removal of five ministers: Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo (State for Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development). President Tinubu’s changes are viewed as a strategic move aimed at addressing pressing issues across key sectors.
The nominees are expected to outline their plans to tackle critical national issues in areas such as poverty alleviation, employment, and education during the ongoing screening sessions.
