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President Tinubu Cancels Yazid Danfulani’s Appointment, Reappoints Fatima Shinkafi as SMDF Executive Secretary

President Bola Tinubu has revoked Yazid Danfulani’s appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI), citing the absence of a vacancy in the agency. This decision reinstates Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the executive secretary, a role she initially assumed under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Friday by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, Shinkafi’s reappointment is a reflection of her significant contributions to reforms in the solid minerals sector.

“The President also approved the renewal of the appointment of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI). She was first appointed to the job by President Buhari and is said to be one of the driving forces behind the changes in the solid mineral sector,” the statement noted.

It further clarified, “The earlier announcement about the appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI has been cancelled as there is no vacancy in the agency.”

In addition to this development, President Tinubu also made several key appointments:

Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu was named the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). A seasoned academic in veterinary reproduction, Ribadu has previously served as vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.
Prof. Salisu Shehu was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). Shehu is recognized for his expertise in educational and human psychology.
Jabiru Tsauri was announced as the National Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

These appointments highlight President Tinubu’s focus on selecting experienced professionals to drive key sectors, including education, research, and solid minerals development.