Hon. Seyi Olorunsola
In a commendable move, President Bola Tinubu has authorized an expansion of roles for Ministers of State, following the insightful recommendation of his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman.
This shift, which assigns direct responsibilities to Ministers of State within their respective Ministries, marks a pivotal step in enhancing the efficiency and inclusiveness of governance in Nigeria.
Under the previous structure, Ministers of State often found their roles limited, with administrative approvals and strategic decisions funneled through Senior Ministers.
This arrangement stifled the potential impact these talented individuals could have in shaping national policy, undercutting both their expertise and their mandate.
In effect, these Ministers became “Ministers in name,” sidelined from the decision-making process, and their talents went underutilized, to the detriment of the ministries and, ultimately, to the Nigerian people.
This new directive changes that dynamic. By empowering Ministers of State to provide all necessary administrative approvals and direct governance within their areas, President Tinubu has tapped into a reservoir of underused talent, aiming to “unleash” the full potential of his cabinet.
The move allows for more hands-on, focused leadership across departments and agencies, with each Minister bringing their unique skills, experience, and vision to the forefront.
This structural shift will lead to a more collaborative and effective government, where policy decisions can be more finely attuned to the specific needs of each sector.
A case in point is the appointment of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. With extensive experience in the housing sector—including his time as Managing Director of the Kano State Housing Corporation—Ata brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
Previously, this knowledge might have been left dormant, but with this new mandate, he can now leverage his skills directly, influencing key decisions in housing and urban development.
This level of direct engagement allows Ministers like Ata to initiate meaningful reforms and drive innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Nigerians, particularly as the housing sector grapples with pressing issues such as urbanization, housing shortages, and infrastructure needs.
Further, this increased autonomy within ministries fosters a culture of accountability. With two executives actively overseeing specific departments, the decision-making process becomes decentralized, nimble, and more transparent.
Where previously there may have been bottlenecks due to an over-centralized hierarchy, the new system ensures that decisions can be made swiftly and effectively, as the designated Ministers of State exercise their oversight directly.
The successful implementation of these roles was emphasized during the recent two-day Ministerial Retreat, organized by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The retreat prepared Ministers to take on these expanded roles, with a clear emphasis on the necessity of leadership, collaboration, and accountability in public service.
For Ata, and others like him, this training has paved the way for them to contribute meaningfully, empowered with the skills, confidence, and authorization to drive progress within their sectors.
The benefits of this change extend far beyond individual ministries. As Ministers of State assume active leadership roles, we can expect a cascade effect that enriches the entire governmental structure, stimulating innovation and progress across the board.
This inclusive framework not only boosts morale within the ministries but also reflects a broader, progressive shift towards a government that values the contributions of each cabinet member.
In conclusion, this restructuring signals a profound commitment by President Tinubu to build a responsive, effective, and modern governance model that reflects Nigeria’s complex needs.
The decision will allow Nigeria to tap into a previously underutilized well of intellectual and experiential capacity, translating into tangible benefits for the country.
By harnessing the specialized skills of Ministers like Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the administration is setting Nigeria on a path toward greater productivity, responsiveness, and accountability.
This development stands as an example of the high standards of leadership Nigerians hope for—where roles are designed to maximize impact and where each leader is empowered to make a difference.
