- President Defends 48-Minister Team as Crucial for National Progress
- “Efficiency and Effectiveness Guide My Decisions,” Tinubu Asserts
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to maintaining a large cabinet, asserting that the 48 ministers currently serving in his administration are essential for achieving his government’s mission.
Tinubu made this statement on Monday during his first presidential media chat since assuming office in May 2023. Responding to criticism of the unprecedented size of his cabinet, Tinubu defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in governance.
Justifying a Large Cabinet
“I’m not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” Tinubu stated firmly. “I saw the need before I put them together. Every member of my cabinet is crucial to driving the mission of this administration.”
He further elaborated, “Nigeria is a vast country with over 200 million people. Efficient management of a population this size requires capable hands in different sectors. The job description must be clear, efficient, and effective.”
Tinubu also challenged critics to identify any cabinet member who isn’t contributing value, adding, “Show me one (minister) that is not adding value. I’m not ready to shrink it a little bit. I need them.”
Record-Breaking Cabinet Size
In August 2023, Tinubu appointed 45 ministers, setting a record for the largest cabinet since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999. The number rose to 48 in October 2023, with the swearing-in of three additional ministers.
A year later, Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing five ministers, appointing seven new ones, and reassigning roles to 10 others.
Controversial Exits
The cabinet has also faced its share of controversies. In December 2023, Simon Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State, resigned as Minister of Labour to take a seat in the Senate following a court judgment. A month later, Tinubu suspended Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, over allegations of corruption.
Balancing Criticism and Vision
Despite calls for a reduction in the size of his cabinet, Tinubu insists that a large team is necessary to address the complexities of governance in Nigeria.
“Efficiency and effectiveness are the hallmarks of the philosophy behind this cabinet,” Tinubu concluded.
The president’s stance has sparked debates across the country, with some supporting his vision for a robust government while others criticize the cost implications of maintaining such a large team.
