The Nigerian Senate confirmed the nomination of several key figures to ministerial roles within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Among those confirmed were Bianca Odimiegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole for Industry, Trade, and Development, and Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
This announcement follows a thorough five-hour screening session, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The confirmation comes shortly after a series of leadership changes announced by President Tinubu on October 21, aimed at revitalizing various governmental functions.
This shift included the appointment of Idi Muktar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing, and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
During the Senate’s deliberations, the newly confirmed ministers presented their visions and plans for their respective roles. Bianca Ojukwu, speaking on the state of Nigeria’s foreign embassies, underscored funding challenges that limit ambassadors’ capacity to maintain embassy buildings and project Nigeria’s global image effectively.
Reflecting on her tenure as an ambassador to Spain, she urged that embassy maintenance become a priority, saying, “This shortage of funds prevents embassies from showcasing Nigeria’s stature, impacting the country’s standing on the global stage.”
Minister Oduwole, meanwhile, outlined her strategy for boosting economic development by focusing on investment, job creation, and an improved business environment. She emphasized the need for integrated fiscal, monetary, trade, and industrial policies, citing recent economic reforms as a foundation for growth.
“Since the commencement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, key reforms in monetary and fiscal policy aimed at stabilising the economy have started to deliver some results,” she said, noting a decrease in inflation and an increase in foreign direct investment interest.
Maiha, nominated to address the challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector, proposed revitalizing the country’s 417 designated grazing areas to reduce conflicts between farmers and herders. However, the Senate urged him to consider advanced livestock management practices seen in countries like the Netherlands and China.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe commended the President for a “Government of National Unity” by appointing Ojukwu from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Abaribe also praised the administration for attaching specific portfolios to ministerial nominees, a practice meant to enhance clarity during the Senate’s vetting process.
Further, the Senate chamber was lightened with humor as Senator Rufai Hanga expressed that he felt “threatened” by the appointment of Yusuf Ata, a prominent grassroots politician from Kano Central. The Senate chamber, acknowledging his comment, responded with laughter, demonstrating support for Ata’s nomination.
