No doubt about it, the last two years have been extremely difficult ones for Nigerians. Ever since the removal of fuel subsidy took effect following the announcement by President Bola Tinubu, Nigerians have been grappling to cope with the grueling effects of the subsidy removal. But the President assured that with time, his administration will the nation on the right track and Nigerians will be happy again.
It’s been almost two years since he made the promise and indeed, a lot has happened since then. There have been obvious progress made in certain areas while same cannot be said across board.
Understandably, the President has had to rely largely on his ministers to deliver the goods. And, if truth be told, some of them have been outstanding. Some of them do blow their own trumpet and let everyone in on what they have been doing in their various ministries, some other cabinet members prefer to maintain undignified silence as if they don’t owe the people any form of accountability.
Meanwhile,
City People recognises that some of these ministers shown competence and capacity in their respective duties. Beyond their pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deploy effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements to help douse tension and calm frayed nerves. In this special report, City People puts together a list of the top 10 performers under the Tinubu administration whose efforts and accomplishments as Ministers are not hidden. They also use appropriate media channels to project, promote and defend the Tinubu’s administration.
Works Minister, David Umahi
Concerned over corrupt practices and poor handling of projects, the Minister read the riot act to contractors on timely delivery and threatened to punish defaulters.
Besides ensuring road contractors meet the required standard within the stipulated periods, David Umahi formed a team of retired military and security personnel to protect and secure construction sites from criminals. This was to tackle incessant complaints by contractors about the safety of their workers and equipment at the sites.
Similarly, he introduced concrete road technology over asphalt in most carriageways and continuous maintenance because concrete offers superior durability, requires less maintenance and leads to long-term cost savings. According to him, concrete produces less environmental pollution, and cars run more efficiently on the surface.
Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory
Within just a few months of assumption of office, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, established the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee the career progression of civil servants within the territory.
Rather than executing new projects, the Minister mobilised and instructed contractors to complete ongoing projects, especially road, rail and township projects or face sanctions.
Prioritising security measures and revenue generation to safeguard residents and fund infrastructural development within the FCT, Wike is also restoring the original Abuja master plan and tackling insecurity by getting rid of illegal structures.
Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
The finance minister, Wale Edun, initiated various fiscal reforms to revamp the economy after removing fuel subsidies that were costing the country over N400bn monthly.
Apart from spearheading alternative ways for generating more revenues, he has ensured equitable and transparent monthly disbursements from the federation account when due to the tiers of government.
He is also behind expanding the scope of direct cash transfer schemes to millions of more households to cushion the rising cost of living.
Health and Social Welfare Coordinating Minister Muhammed Ali Pate,
Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has attracted various development partners to support Nigeria’s healthcare system. They include GAVI, The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, etc.
Besides introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the routine immunisation system, his Ministry launched lifesaving initiatives such as Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to improve quality maternal health outcomes.
In addition to that, the professor of public health facilitated the signing of MoU between FG and Afreximbank in which Nigeria will get $1bn deal to finance Healthcare as the country records significant progress in the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, cleared more than 200,000 backlogs of international passports he met within a few weeks of his appointment and ensured the speedy implementation of automation of the passport application process.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Tunji-Ojo also facilitated the E-gates system at the international airports aimed at reducing passengers’ physical contact with immigration officers and facilitating movement.
Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation,
The Information Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, hosts inter-ministerial press briefings to boost accountability in governance. He also deploys sound PR strategies in timely, responsible stakeholder engagements while addressing burning national issues with facts and sincerity of purpose. He doesn’t abuse, blackmail or bully government critics and opponents in his engagements.
Malagi, a publisher and PR specialist, in his effort to rebrand Nigeria’s image, unveiled a National Value Charter that will provide clear guidelines on the rights of citizens on the government and the government’s demands on the citizens.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
Oyetola recognises the immense potential of the blue economy, which is estimated globally to be worth more than $1.5 trillion annually. Given Nigeria’s vast coastline and maritime resources, he has positioned the country as a significant player in the sector, contributing to revenue generation and job creation.
Oyetola also unveiled plans to generate $20 billion annually within the blue economy. This ambitious goal aligns with strategic development initiatives within the maritime sector.
His vision includes creating two million jobs annually through sustainable marine activities.
Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals
After initiating his agenda of restoring investor confidence and renewing global interest in the sector, Dele Alake took decisive actions, including revoking licenses, establishing enhanced security measures and international collaborations towards the protection of the industry.
He also launched revised guidelines for community development agreements (CDA) to ensure that host communities benefit maximally from mining operations while government royalties for economic development are safeguarded.
The Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the German firm Geo Scan GmbN for the deployment of cutting-edge proprietary technology capable of exploring mineral resources up to 10,000 metres below the earth’s surface, with no cost to Nigeria.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has prioritised strict compliance with safety regulations in the aviation industry and enhanced infrastructure especially upgrading airports, runways, and other critical facilities to support safe and efficient air travel.
Recognising the importance of skilled personnel in the aviation sector, the Ministry develops human capacity within the industry, ensuring that professionals receive adequate training and support. Many Nigerians have praised Keyamo ceaselessly for the beautiful transformation he’s given our international airports, especially the Muritala Mohammed International airport, the transformation is phenomenal.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy
Communication Minister, Bosun Tijani
Besides launching a start-up portal to drive digital innovation, Bosun Tijani launched the 3MTT programme through NITDA, which aims to develop 3 million technical talents by 2025, in line with the President’s vision for making Nigeria a global hub for digital jobs.
Through a series of engagements, the Ministry has attracted more investors for different projects in the sector, including laying fibre infrastructure worth approximately $2 billion across the country.
DR. JUMOKE ODUWOLE, MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
The current Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment in Nigeria is Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who leads the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) and focuses on attracting investment, boosting exports, and leveraging agreements like the AfCFTA for economic growth. She serves under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, working closely with the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, and the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh.
She has been able to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and fostering an enabling environment for businesses. Jumoke has implemented policies for increased exports and has managed trade agreements effectively, especially the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
WALE LAWAL (08037209290)
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