A major change in policy has been authorised by President Bola Tinubu, giving ministers of state complete control over the departments and agencies they are responsible for.
In the past, paperwork pertaining to the departments and agencies under the direction of a minister of state were forwarded by permanent secretaries to senior ministers for final clearance. Ministers of state were essentially reduced to ceremonial positions under this arrangement, which restricted their ability to make decisions.
A source from the federation’s head of service’s office told The Cable that President Tinubu was unhappy with the previous system because he thought it led to the “underutilisation of the expertise and capabilities” of state ministers.
The new directive enables ministers of state to grant all necessary administrative approvals, allowing them to make decisions and direct actions within their areas of responsibility.
This move is aimed at “unleashing” the potential of all cabinet members, ensuring a more efficient governance process.
Tinubu’s cabinet comprises 48 ministers, of which 16 hold junior positions. The ministries affected by the new directive include agriculture and food security, defence, education, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), foreign affairs, health, petroleum (oil and gas), humanitarian and poverty reduction, and women affairs.
Other ministries impacted are works, regional development, labour and employment, finance, trade and investment, and housing and urban development.
