President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has relieved Professor Nentawe Yilwatda of his ministerial duties and has submitted a list of seven fresh ministerial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation.

The development marks a significant shift within the federal cabinet, as President Tinubu seeks to recalibrate his administration amidst mounting pressure to improve governance and service delivery.

Cabinet Reshuffle in Motion

In a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested expedited screening and confirmation of the nominees. The request was read during Tuesday’s plenary session, signaling a new phase of ministerial reorganisation barely months into the administration’s full formation.

Among those nominated are:

* Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu – Minister of State, Foreign Affairs

* Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi – Minister of Labour and Employment

* Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

* Idi Mukhtar Yidi Maiha – Minister of Livestock Development

* Yusuf Abdullahi Ata – Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development

* Suwaiba Said Ahmad – Minister of State, Education

* A replacement for Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, whose portfolio remains under review

The portfolio for the new nominee replacing Yilwatda, formerly Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is expected to be disclosed following Senate confirmation.

Yilwatda’s Dual Role Ends

Professor Yilwatda, who was only recently elected as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is believed to be stepping down from his ministerial position to focus on party leadership. While no official statement has been issued by the Presidency regarding the rationale for his removal, political analysts suggest the decision aligns with internal restructuring within the APC and the Tinubu administration.

Sources within the presidency indicate that the reshuffle is aimed at injecting new energy into key ministries as Nigeria grapples with economic pressures, rising unemployment, and humanitarian challenges.

Senate Begins Screening Process

Senate President Akpabio confirmed that the chamber will commence the screening process in the coming days.

The list has been forwarded to the Committee of the Whole, with confirmation hearings expected to begin this week.

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“The nominees will be invited for screening and their portfolios will be properly examined. The Senate will ensure due diligence is followed,” a senior legislative aide told reporters.

What To Look Out For

The ministerial shake-up comes amid broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to restructure key policy areas, particularly those dealing with social welfare, labour, and education.

The nomination of high-profile figures such as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu signals a potential shift towards more politically strategic appointments.

Observers say the inclusion of a Minister for Livestock Development also reflects the administration’s plan to tackle farmer-herder conflicts and boost agricultural productivity.

As the Senate prepares for screenings, the coming days will reveal more about the President’s long-term governance strategy and the future composition of his cabinet.