The Federal Executive Council (FEC), during its meeting on Wednesday, made the significant decision to scrap both the Niger Delta Affairs and the Sports Ministries, signaling a major reorganization within the Nigerian government. This decision was made under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, as he continues to reshape his cabinet and streamline the administration.
In addition to these developments, President Bola Tinubu dismissed two key ministers: the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy Ohaneye. Their removal from office follows the recent cabinet reshuffle as part of Tinubu’s broader efforts to improve governance and administrative efficiency.
The decision to eliminate these ministries was taken at Wednesday's FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This move is seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to refocus the government's resources and enhance effectiveness across sectors. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the sacking of the two ministers shortly after the meeting, emphasizing the president's commitment to reform.
As a result of the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports, the role of managing sports development in Nigeria will now be handled by the reinstated National Sports Commission, which will take over responsibilities previously managed by the sports ministry. This change is expected to streamline sports administration and better utilize resources in the sector.
Furthermore, the FEC established a new Ministry of Regional Development, tasked with overseeing all regional development commissions within the country. These commissions include the Niger Delta Development Commission, the North West Development Commission, the South West Development Commission, and the North East Development Commission. This consolidation aims to ensure a more coordinated approach to regional development across Nigeria.
In addition, the council approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, aligning the two sectors to foster growth in tourism and cultural industries, which are viewed as critical areas for national economic development.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared these developments via an X post, highlighting the significance of the council’s decisions. He noted, "President Tinubu and Federal Executive Council scrap the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development. There will now be a Ministry of Regional Development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, and North East Development Commission."
He added, "The National Sports Commission will take over the role of the Ministry of Sports. The FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy." These decisions reflect the government's ongoing reforms to enhance the overall structure and function of the administration.