In a strategic policy shift, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has granted ministers of state full authority to oversee and make decisions within the agencies under their respective portfolios. This move is expected to strengthen the governance and decision-making roles of ministers of state, previously constrained by limited administrative control.
Under the old framework, ministers of state were often sidelined, with agency-related decisions and approvals directed through senior ministers by permanent secretaries. President Tinubu voiced dissatisfaction with this setup, observing that ministers of state were “ministers in name only” with restricted operational authority.
An official from the office of the head of service of the federation revealed that Tinubu aims to maximize the capabilities of his team. “The president believes ministers of state should have the right to make decisions and direct action within their areas of responsibility,” the official said.
The policy shift was proposed by Hadiza Bala Usman, Tinubu’s special adviser on policy coordination, who leads the central delivery coordination unit. Her recommendation received prompt approval from the president.
This change affects 16 ministers of state within Tinubu’s 48-member cabinet, spanning key ministries such as agriculture, defense, education, health, petroleum, and foreign affairs. By empowering these ministers, the administration aims to “unleash” their potential, enabling them to drive more impactful governance and contribute meaningfully to the administration’s overarching goals.