As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his first year in the saddle as Nigeria’s chief executive, the performance of his ministers – who have spent about 9 months in office – has come under scrutiny.
A President’s ministers translate his vision into results, and are a reflection of his judgement.
In a political climate where the bar has been set so low, Nigerians have, at times, been compelled to celebrate the bare minimum when it comes to governance. The expectations for transformational leadership have often been tempered by disappointment, due to years of unmet promises and systemic inefficiencies.
Nevertheless, within this landscape of low expectations, a handful of ministers in Tinubu’s administration have managed to distinguish themselves through their dedication and achievements.
it is essential to acknowledge the commendable efforts of these ministers who have risen above the fray, to serve as an example to others.
These individuals have achieved tangible results in their respective sectors, providing a glimmer of hope in a cabinet with many struggling to rise above mediocrity.
While we continue to scrutinise the administration’s overall performance, it is crucial to celebrate these pockets of excellence and hold them up as examples of what is possible when dedication and competence intersect. Their achievements remind us that even within a flawed system, there are those who strive to make a meaningful difference.
Dave Umahi, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Mohammed Idris, Festus Keyamo, Nyesom Wike and Bosun Tijani are among those sho have managed to navigate the turbulent waters of government beurecracy and political opposition, and also made significant strides in their respective portfolios.
Among the 48 names selected August last year by Tinubu, many have remained anonymous. But these ministers have showed up and managed to standout, regardless of any shortcomings.
MINISTER OF WORKS, DAVID UMAHI
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, , is certainly one of President Tinubu’s favourite ministers, if his comments during the flag-off of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road are anything to go by. Tinubu described the minister – who he convinced to give up a senate seat for a ministerial assignment – as “diligent and effective.”
Among his notable accomplishments are the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge, the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, and commencement of construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, all in Nigeria’s commercial capital. These projects, undertaken with remarkable speed, are testament to Umahi’s suitability for the task assigned to him by Tinubu.
Umahi has focused on concrete road technology, highlighting its durability, reduced maintenance needs, and long-term cost savings. He explains that concrete produces less environmental pollution and allows for more efficient vehicle operation, promoting sustainability.
His success can be partly attributed to his no-nonsense approach. He has on multiple occasions issued warnings to contractors about timely project delivery, threatening penalties for missed deadlines. This approach is part of a broader strategy to combat corruption; he has renegotiated contracts sums, and driven down costs by an eye-watering N1.19tn, according to the permanent secretary in the ministry of works, Yakubu Adam Kofamata.
To ensure contractors adhere to required standards within set timeframes, Umahi assembled a team of retired military and security personnel to safeguard construction sites, addressing contractors’ concerns about worker and equipment safety.
His efforts have however not come without criticism, the bulk of it from individuals, groups and businesses affected by the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. The demolition of structures which he described as “shanties” but which have led to job losses in the tourism sector led to condemnation.
Critics also questioned whether Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) certification was issued before the project’s commencement.
Umahi clarified, stating, “We have about four to five preliminary certifications, but we will not give you the documents. When we are through with section one, we will publish the documents.”
However, the Works minister was commended, when he informed members of the Okun Ajah community in Lekki, Lagos, that their ancestral homes which were in line for demolition to make way the coastal road, would no longer be destroyed. The decision to revert to the gazetted alignment at kilometer 16 and rejoin back to the new alignment at kilometer 25 in order to save properties as well as undersea communication cables demonstrated his responsiveness to public concerns.
To those who have criticised him for focusing on Lagos State where the president is from, Umahi assures that numerous projects are ongoing in other states, with plans for a Sokoto to Badagry and Enugu to Cameroon spur attached to the the Lagos-Calabar highway, demonstrating his commitment to equitable distribution of projects nationwide.
So far, Umahi has proven to be a round peg in a round hole, fitting perfectly in his role.
MINISTER OF INTERIOR, OLUBUNMI TUNJI-OJO
Since his appointment as Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has initiated a series of reforms, effectively guiding the various agencies under his authority toward a more efficient and progressive future.
One of Tunji-Ojo’s most notable successes is at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), where he addressed a critical national crisis by clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, pledging to revolutionise passport processing by reducing the timeline to two weeks and introducing home and office delivery of passports.
On the international front, Tunji-Ojo’s proactive stance on reciprocity in visa processes underscores his dedication to fair treatment for Nigerian applicants. He has challenged the inequitable privileges granted to foreign nationals and championed the rights of Nigerians seeking visas. Within the ranks of the paramilitary forces, Tunji-Ojo has advocated for equitable compensation and initiated plans for a functional pension board, which has significantly boosted morale and productivity.
Tunji-Ojo’s efforts to align paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) represent a pivotal step toward ensuring fairness and equity. His approach to criminal justice reform is also evident in his initiative to decongest correctional facilities by clearing fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates. In recognition of his outstanding performance, Tunji-Ojo was awarded the “Public Service Person of the Year 2023” by Leadership newspaper, a testament to his impactful contributions in a relatively short period.
Although the minister’s work has been seen widely in the immigration and visa space, there has not been much to speak on about his actions in the state of Nigeria’s security. Also, Tunji-Ojo was alleged to be involved in the embezzlement case of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, who was suspended for allegedly paying the sum of N585 million Federal Government funds into a personal account in December 2023. The allegations stated that a company said to be owned by Tunji-Ojo, New Planet Project Limited, at a time took N438.1 million as consultancy services from Edu’s ministry.
He however denied involvement in the case stating that even though he founded the company 10 years ago, he resigned his role as director in 2019 when he contested for a House of Representatives seat. He said he is just a shareholder in the company and not involved in its day-to-day running.
MINISTER OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT, FESTUS KEYAMO
The Nigerian aviation industry has long grappled with operational inefficiencies but since Festus Keyamo’s appointment as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, he has tackled these issues head-on, implementing stringent reforms to restore trust and integrity within the sector.
A lawyer and human rights activist, Keyamo, who was deputy minister of Labour and Employment in the Buhari administration, was known for his advocacy and criticism of government policies before his foray into politics.
However, his confrontational style had led to concerns about his suitability to oversee Nigeria’s aviation industry.
But Keyamo’s reputation for being outspoken, bold, and unapologetic has been a boon, with local unions and foreign airlines alike knowing they won’t be spared if they cross the line.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Keyamo has made notable improvements in relationships, with the resolution of the Emirates airline impasse one of a few. Emirates, which stopped flying into Nigeria for close to two years, has announced resumtion of flights fron October 1 2024.
Keyamo’s agenda has also strongly supported the growth and sustainability of local airlines. By implementing measures to ensure that Nigerian airlines meet the highest international standards, he has fostered a more competitive industry. A notable success in this regard is breaking the longstanding monopoly of foreign airlines on the UK-Nigeria route by securing reciprocal operating rights for Air Peace, which significantly reduced airfares, making international travel more accessible for Nigerians.
Although Keyamo was criticised for lack of experience in the aviation industry, under his stewardship, infrastructure development has witnessed notable progress. The swift resolution of a seven-year land dispute with the Jiwa Community allowed the commencement of the Abuja second runway project.
He has also made Lagos’ new international terminal fully operational by resolving previous design flaws, enhancing capacity and functionality.
Additionally, Keyamo addressed the reactivation of Lagos’ Second Runway (18R) and cleared financial bottlenecks, including a backlog of trapped funds for foreign airlines.
His bold move to require all VIPs to pay access fees at airport toll gates and securing the US-Nigeria Open Skies Air Transport Agreement further exemplify his commitment to reform and revenue optimization.
MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NYESOM WIKE
Since assuming office as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has been a prominent figure in the media, eliciting commendation for numerous achievements in a short time, but also attracting condemnation for his interference in local politics in Rivers State.
Wike, who was the past governor of Rivers State before his ministerial appointment, has prioritised infrastructural development in the FCT, focusing on completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones. He has overseen the completion of several key road projects, including the long-awaited Abuja-Keffi Expressway and the Inner Southern Expressway. Additionally, he has launched new projects such as the construction of the Outer Southern Expressway and the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
However, Wike’s tenure has been marked by controversy, centred around his interference in the governance of Rivers State. Wike and the present Rivers State Governor Fubara have been engaged in a protracted political battle since last October when some lawmakers in the state assembly backed by Wike attempted to impeach Fubara. The relationship between the two former allies has with time, deteriorated, defying the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu after the seats of pro-Wike lawmakers were declared vacant following their defection to the APC.
The feud has battered the state legislature, with three lawmakers, backed by Fubara, taking over the legislative business of the assembly after a court barred the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the assembly.
Also, there has been a controversy around security of Abuja since his appointment as FCT minister. While some claim that there has been a reduction in the level of insecurity in the city, others say the crisis has increased. Adding to that is the demolition of structures without paying compensation to those who he said erected structures illegally.
However, the FCT Minister has made significant strides in improving the FCT’s healthcare sector, commissioning several new healthcare facilities, including the state-of-the-art Abuja Medical City and the Primary Healthcare Centre in Kwali. Furthermore, he has implemented initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, such as the introduction of a new healthcare management system and the deployment of modern medical equipment to hospitals across the FCT.
In the area of education, Wike has demonstrated a commitment to improving access to quality education for residents of the FCT. He has established several new schools, including the Abuja University of Science and Technology and the Federal Science and Technical College. He has also implemented initiatives to improve the quality of teaching and learning, such as the introduction of digital learning platforms and the provision of modern educational resources.
Additionally, he has implemented measures to improve public safety, such as the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of additional security personnel to high-risk areas.
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is a publisher, philanthropist, entrepreneur, public relations professional and politician. With his broad career in media, Idris, who is the founder/Chairman and publisher of Blueprint, was the general secretary of Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria. He once served as the Director of Strategic Communications for the All Progressives Congress Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
In a significant move to rebrand Nigeria’s image and strengthen the relationship between the government and its citizens, Idris unveiled a National Value Charter. This charter aims to provide clear guidelines on the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of the government, promoting transparency and accountability.
Idris has been proactive in his efforts to boost governance accountability by hosting inter-ministerial press briefings. These briefings serve as a platform to address pressing national issues with facts and sincerity, avoiding any form of abuse, blackmail, or bullying of government critics and opponents. His approach emphasizes responsible stakeholder engagement and the use of sound PR strategies.
Upon assuming office, Idris established a National Communication Team, which he leads. This team includes Information, Strategy, Media, and Publicity Managers from the Presidency, along with Director-Generals of Information and Communication agencies.
The team’s mission is to foster collaboration and build consensus on disseminating government policies and initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Additionally, the team is tasked with tracking feedback on their communications.
Idris’ tenure so far has been a refreshing departure from the past Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, whose tenure was dogged by one controversy or the other.
Idris however, has been diligent in putting out news without being in the news and staying away from controversy, moving the Information Ministry from propaganda to positive PR.
Idris has been instrumental in pushing out President Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda which outlines his plans for Nigeria’s future.
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY, BOSUN TIJANI
Bosun Tijani, an innovation expert and technology enthusiast has brought his expertise to the forefront in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. Since assuming office, Tijani has been instrumental in shaping the country’s digital economy policy, aiming to position Nigeria as a leading player in the global digital landscape. He has initiated several programs and projects aimed at enhancing digital literacy, promoting innovation, and fostering entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
One of his notable achievements is the launch of the Nigerian Digital Innovation Fund, which provides funding and support to startups and innovators. He has also overseen the development of the country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, aimed at creating a robust digital economy that drives economic growth and development.
Before becoming a minister, Tijani was the Co-Founder and CEO of the Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a leading innovation centre in Nigeria, and the Founder of iHub, an innovation hub in Nairobi, Kenya. He was also a visiting adjunct professor at the Wits School of Governance in South Africa.
Tijani’s tenure as Minister has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for his handling of certain issues, with some raising concerns about his leadership style and the lack of transparency in some of his initiatives.
Some of the controversies surrounding Tijani include allegations of favoritism in the allocation of government contracts, as well as concerns about his close ties to certain tech companies.
Despite these controversies, Tijani has continued to work towards achieving his vision for a digitally transformed Nigeria. His efforts have led to the establishment of several innovation hubs and tech parks across the country, providing a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to thrive.
Additionally, his initiatives have attracted significant investment into the country’s tech sector, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy. Through his work, Tijani has demonstrated his commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi, Chioma Kalu, Melissa Enoch, Nancy Mbamalu, Nneoma Udensi, Boluwatife Enome
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