Tinubu Poised for Cabinet Shake-Up Amid Mounting Pressures at Home and Abroad

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly preparing to reshuffle his cabinet once again, barely a year after his last major overhaul, as tensions rise over governance challenges, security concerns, and growing international scrutiny of his administration.

Reliable sources within the Presidency hinted that the President is considering a “strategic reallocation of portfolios” in the coming days, following the swearing-in of two new ministers — Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State and Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, from Enugu State — who are yet to be assigned specific duties.

With these additions, the Federal Executive Council now stands at a record 48 members, but insiders suggest that Tinubu is intent on “reinvigorating performance and accountability” amid what aides describe as “mounting distractions,” including global concerns over human rights practices and Nigeria’s slow response to worsening insecurity.

The last major cabinet shake-up came on October 23, 2024, when Tinubu dismissed five ministers, appointed seven new ones, and reassigned ten others in a sweeping reorganization aimed at “retooling governance.”
Key ministries such as Finance, Defence, National Planning, and both Petroleum (States I & II) were left untouched — but sources suggest those positions may now come under review.

Dr. Doro replaces Prof. Nenatwe Yilwatda, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs who now serves as APC National Chairman, while Udeh — a respected legal mind and former Enugu State Attorney-General — steps in for Geoffrey Nnaji, who resigned amid a certificate scandal that rocked the political establishment.

Presidency aides disclosed that the anticipated reshuffle had been delayed due to Tinubu’s demanding international engagements following Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations, as well as diplomatic tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks warning against human rights abuses in Nigeria.

Observers say Tinubu’s next move could redefine the direction of his administration, which faces increasing pressure to deliver tangible economic relief, curb insecurity, and stabilize the naira.

Civil Service Reforms in Motion

In a related development, the President has also approved the appointment of five new Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service, as confirmed by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The new appointees are:

Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi (FCT)

Ezemama John Chidiebere (Imo)

Garba Abdul Sule Usman (North Central)

Mohammed Musa Ishiyaku (North East)

Ukaire Binyerem Chigbowu (South East)

These appointments, insiders say, are part of Tinubu’s broader effort to “inject fresh energy and merit-based leadership” into the federal bureaucracy.

Political analysts note that a fresh reshuffle — if confirmed — would signal Tinubu’s determination to tighten control over a sprawling cabinet and refocus his governance agenda as Nigeria grapples with inflation, insecurity, and international skepticism.

> “The President is recalibrating his team for efficiency and loyalty,” said a senior government official. “He wants results, not excuses.”

As Abuja buzzes with speculation, all eyes remain on the State House — where a single presidential signature could once again redraw the political map of Tinubu’s Nigeria.