Seven Ministers set for swearing-in after Senate confirmation

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the substantive Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with six other ministerial nominees in President Bola Tinubu‘s cabinet reshuffle.

These confirmations followed the dismissal of several ministers by Tinubu on October 21, 2024.

Besides Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Senate approved Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment.

The chamber also confirmed 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.

Following approximately five hours of screening, the nominees were confirmed by a voice vote led by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Each nominee outlined their plans to advance their respective ministries, discussing reforms and goals to enhance Nigeria’s development.

After the recent handover process, the confirmation marks a fresh chapter for several ministries.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, assumed office on Monday, succeeding Uju Kennedy Ohanenye.

The Ministry of Tourism also transitioned leadership, with former Minister Lola Ade-John handing over to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.

The Senate had earlier suspended its procedural rules following a motion by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele to admit Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, who accompanied the nominees into the plenary.

According to reports, the confirmed ministers will be sworn in by President Bola Tinubu, granting them the authority to participate in the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings.

The next weekly FEC meeting is expected to hold on Monday, 4th of November, with a fresh view after the reshuffling of cabinet during the last meeting.