In a significant restructuring of the federal cabinet and to cost of governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has announced the abolition of the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Ministry of Sports Development, signaling a shift in the government’s approach to regional and sectoral governance.
In place of the Ministry of Niger Delta, the government will establish a new Ministry of Regional Development, designed to oversee all regional development commissions across the country. This ministry will supervise critical bodies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North West Development Commission (NWDC), South West Development Commission (SWDC), and North East Development Commission (NEDC), among others. This move is expected to streamline and enhance the coordination of regional developmental efforts across Nigeria.
The National Sports Commission will now take over the responsibilities previously managed by the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, with a focus on ensuring the growth of sports at all levels, fostering youth participation, and enhancing Nigeria’s international sporting competitiveness.
Furthermore, the FEC has approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, combining efforts to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage alongside its booming creative and tourism sectors. This merger is aimed at harnessing the synergy between culture, tourism, and the creative industries to boost economic growth, job creation, and global recognition of Nigeria’s cultural assets.
These strategic reforms reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to efficient governance and a more streamlined, result-oriented cabinet that aligns with his administration’s developmental goals. The reshuffling is seen as part of a broader strategy to drive economic growth, foster regional equity, reducing the cost of governance, ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative sectors.
