“I’m Not Prepared to Downsize My Cabinet” –Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has stated that he has no intention of reducing the size of his cabinet, emphasizing that every member plays a crucial role in advancing his administration’s mission. Speaking during his first presidential media chat on Monday, Tinubu defended his decision to maintain a large cabinet, citing efficiency and the unique challenges of governing a populous nation like Nigeria.

In August 2023, Tinubu appointed 45 ministers, marking the largest cabinet in Nigeria since the return to civilian rule in 1999. By October of the same year, the cabinet expanded to 48 following the swearing-in of three additional ministers. A subsequent cabinet reshuffle in 2024 saw the dismissal of five ministers, the appointment of seven new ones, and portfolio adjustments for 10 others.

During the media chat, Tinubu explained the rationale behind the cabinet size, saying, “I’m not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet. I saw the need before I put them together. You don’t give somebody an assignment they cannot fulfill. The job description must be efficient and effective.”

He further defended his approach, stating, “Nigeria is a large country. If you are to entertain over 200 million people, calculate how many stewards you would require. Efficiency and effectiveness are the hallmarks of the philosophy behind that cabinet. I’m not ready to shrink it. I need them. Show me one (member) that is not adding value.”

The president’s cabinet has seen notable changes over the past year. In December 2023, Simon Lalong, former governor of Plateau State, resigned from his position as Minister of Labour to assume a senate seat following a court of appeal ruling. In January 2024, Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, was suspended over allegations of corruption.