Nigerian Senate Begins Ministerial Screening Process

The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening process for seven newly nominated ministers designated to fill key positions in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

The nominees are:

1. Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, nominated as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

2. Muhammadu Dingyadi, nominated as Minister of Labour and Employment.

3. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, nominated as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

4. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, nominated as Minister of Industry, Trade and Development.

5. Idi Muktar Maiha, nominated as Minister of Livestock Development.

6. Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ata, nominated as Minister of State for Housing.

7. Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, nominated as Minister of State for Education.

This development follows President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, which resulted in the dismissal of five ministers:

1. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, former Minister of Women Affairs.

2. Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism.

3. Prof. Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education.

4. Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.

5. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth Development.

On Thursday, Senate President GodsWill Akpabio read the nomination letter from President Tinubu, paving the way for the screening process. The Senate, led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, suspended its rules to allow the Special Adviser to the President on Senate matters, Basheer Lado, to present the nominees before the plenary.

The screening process is a critical step in confirming the nominees’ suitability for their respective roles and ensuring they meet the required standards for ministerial positions.