You’re probably wondering who is leading Nigeria into the future. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Nigerian President and his cabinet of ministers. These important leaders oversee the various ministries that keep the country running. From infrastructure to education and beyond, ministers drive progress in their respective areas. But do you know all of their names and what they’re responsible for managing? Read on to see the full list of current Nigerian ministers, along with their official government titles. This guide reveals the names of the people shaping policy, laws, spending, and strategy across Africa’s largest economy.
Overview of Nigerian Government Structure
The government of Nigeria operates as a federal presidential representative democratic republic. It has three branches:
Executive
The executive branch is made up of the President, Vice President, and the Cabinet. The President is the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He or she appoints the Vice President and Ministers to head the various ministries that make up the Cabinet. The executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and government policies.
Legislative
The legislative branch is the National Assembly, which is made up of the 109-member Senate and the 360-member House of Representatives. Senators represent each of the 36 states, while Representatives represent local constituencies. The National Assembly has the power to make laws. Any bill passed by the National Assembly must be signed by the President to become law.
Judicial
The judicial branch is independent of the executive and the legislature. It includes the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and High Courts. The judiciary is the final arbiter of the law and the interpretation of the Constitution. It can determine whether a law is constitutional or not.
The 36 states also have their own executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government. There are 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria that oversee governance at the local level.
To summarize, the government of Nigeria has an elected President, a National Assembly, and an independent judiciary with power separated into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches at the federal, state, and local levels. Understanding this structure is key to following how laws and policies are made and implemented in Nigeria.
Overview of the Current Nigerian Federal Executive Council under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria, oversees the Federal Executive Council, which is made up of ministers and portfolios. The ministers are nominated by the President and must be approved by the Senate. Once approved, the ministers are then sworn in by the President.
The Federal Executive Council, also known as the cabinet, advises the President on government affairs and helps carry out laws passed by the National Assembly. The council is composed of the vice president, 45 ministers, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Minister of Justice.
The ministers are supported in their work by permanent secretaries, directors, and other civil servants. The portfolios and responsibilities of each minister are assigned by the President based on their experience, expertise, and interests. The ministers work to shape and implement policies, as well as oversee the day-to-day running of their ministries and departments.
List of Current Nigerian Ministers and Their Portfolios
As a Nigerian citizen, it’s important to know who represents you and your interests in the federal government. The President appoints ministers to head the various ministries and oversee key functions of governance and administration. Some ministers are more well-known, frequently in the public eye, and influential, while others work more behind the scenes.
- Minister Of Communications, Innovation And Digital Economy: Bosun Tijani
- Minister Of State, Environment And Ecological Management: Ishak Salako
- Minister Of Finance And Coordinating Minister Of The Economy: Wale Edun
- Minister Of Marine And Blue Economy: Bunmi Tunji-Ojo
- Minister Of Power: Adebayo Adelabu
- Minister Of State, Health And Social Welfare: Tunji Alausa
- Minister Of Solid Minerals Development: Dele Alake
- Minister Of Tourism: Lola Ade-John
- Minister Of Transportation: Adegboyega Oyetola
- Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite
- Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
- Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
- Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
- Minister of Works, David Umahi
- Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
- Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
- Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu (Suspended for Embezzlement of Funds)
- Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
- Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
- Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
- Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
- Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development – Abdullahi Gwarzo
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning- Atiku Bagudu
- Minister of State, FCT- Mariga Mahmoud
- Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation- Bello Goronyo
- Minister of Agriculture- Abubakar Kyari
- Minister of Education- Tahir Mamman
- Minister of Police Affairs- Ibrahim Geidam
- Minister of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar
- Minister of Interior- Saidu Alkali
- Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare- Ali Pate
- Minister of State, Steel and Development- Maigari Ahmadu
- Minister of Steel and Development- Shuaibu Audu
- Minister of Information and National Orientation- Muhammed Idris
- Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice- Lateef Fagbemi
- Minister of Labour and Employment- Simon Lalong
- Minister of State, Police Affairs, Inman Suleiman
- Minister of Special Duties- Zephaniah Jisalo
- Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation- Joseph Utsev
- Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security- Aliyu Abdullahi
- Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy- Hannatu Musawa
- Minister of Defence- Muhammed Badaru
- Minister of State for Defence- Bello Matawalle
- Minister of State, Education- Tanko Sununu
- Minister of Housing and Urban Development- Ahmed Dangiwa
The full list contains 45 ministers for various portfolios like agriculture, environment, power, communication, and digital economy. While some ministers and ministries may change frequently, knowing the current administration and responsibilities of each role is important for civic participation. The future of Nigeria depends on the effectiveness of these leaders and government institutions.
Key Federal Ministries and Ministers
To govern a country as large and diverse as Nigeria effectively, the federal government is organized into several ministries, each focused on a specific area like education, health, finance, agriculture, and more. As of 2024, here are some of the key federal ministries and the ministers appointed to oversee them:
Ministry of Education – Tahir Mamman
The Ministry of Education oversees all levels of education in Nigeria, from primary schools to universities. The current Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, is focused on improving access to education, especially for girls and in rural areas.
Ministry of Health – Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is responsible for public health policy, healthcare access, and the overall health of Nigerians. Led by Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, the ministry’s priorities include improving maternal and child health, fighting infectious diseases, and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning of Nigeria – Abubakar Atiku Bagudu
This vital ministry manages government revenue, expenditures, and budgeting. Under the leadership of Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the ministry aims to diversify Nigeria’s economy, accelerate economic growth, and improve transparency in the budget process.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security – Abubakar Kyari
With over 70% of Nigerians employed in agriculture, this ministry works to support farmers, promote food security, and develop the agricultural sector. Minister Abubakar Kyari is focused on improving irrigation, increasing crop yields, providing agricultural inputs and finance for farmers, and developing agricultural value chains.
Ministry of Power – Adebayo Adelabu
The Ministry of Power oversees the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Nigeria. Minister Adebayo Adelabu is tasked with improving the reliability of power supply, connecting more Nigerians to the grid, and transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower.
Access to essential services depends greatly on these ministries and their leadership. With continued progress in key areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth, Nigeria is working to provide greater opportunities and improved living standards for its citizens.
President Bola Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
On the 8th of January 2024, President Tinubu suspended Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, due to allegations of corruption and misuse of funds. The President took swift action after reports surfaced that millions of naira meant for poverty alleviation programs and assisting internally displaced people were unaccounted for under Edu’s leadership.
An investigation is underway to look into how funds were disbursed and whether they actually reached the intended recipients. There are concerns that money may have been embezzled or spent on unauthorized expenses. Edu maintains her innocence but has agreed to step aside during the probe. She has been an outspoken minister, though some critics argue she lacked proper experience for the role.
The EFCC ordered the humanitarian affairs minister, Betta Edu, to appear at its Abuja headquarters for questioning concerning the contentious sanction she provided for the payment of approximately N585 million into a private account. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) eventually released suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu on bail after hours of questioning her about the approval she gave for the transfer of approximately N585 million from the ministry’s funds to a civil servant’s private account.
Edu’s suspension sent shockwaves through the administration and beyond. There is worry it could damage confidence in the government’s ability to tackle poverty and help vulnerable groups. However, others praised Tinubu for acting decisively in the face of serious allegations. They see it as an encouraging sign of his commitment to transparency and accountability. President Tinubu may choose to appoint a new minister with a fresh start. For now, all eyes are on the investigation and whether it results in criminal charges against Edu or others.
Conclusion
With his selections for the Federal Executive Council, President Tinubu aims to revamp Nigeria’s infrastructure, end corruption, strengthen security, boost the economy, and improve the country’s global standing. The ministers have a pivotal role to play in helping the President achieve his goals and vision for a “New Nigeria.” Overall, the list of the current Nigerian ministers is a mix of experienced politicians and technocrats with diverse professional backgrounds.