The Nigerian Senate is set to screen seven new ministerial nominees today, as President Bola Tinubu seeks to fill key positions in his administration.
Tinubu had forwarded the names of these nominees to the Senate on October 24, urging the lawmakers to review and confirm each candidate without delay.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of the nominations and expressed his confidence in the candidates’ abilities.
The letter was read aloud in the Senate during Thursday’s plenary session, setting the stage for today’s crucial screening.
Among the nominees are Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda for Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu for Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
Others on the list include Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, nominated as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, slated for Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development.
Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad has been nominated as Minister of State, Education, while Idi Maiha is set to head the new Ministry of Livestock Development.
The final nominee, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, is in line for Minister of State, Housing, rounding out the list of nominees for key ministries.
Reports indicate that all nominees have already been cleared by the Department of State Services (DSS), an important step toward confirming their suitability.
This DSS clearance is standard for high-level government appointments, assuring the Senate and Nigerians of the candidates’ backgrounds.
On Monday, some of the nominees were seen visiting Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, where they reportedly submitted their curriculum vitae.
The nominees have diverse backgrounds, with many having substantial experience in both the public and private sectors.
Bianca Ojukwu’s nomination has attracted significant public attention, given her prominent family background and diplomatic experience.
She previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and has been an advocate for Nigerian unity and progress.
Speaking to journalists, a political analyst, Segun Odumakin, noted that Ojukwu’s diplomatic background could add value to Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry.
“With her experience and the legacy of the Ojukwu name, Bianca’s nomination is more than symbolic,” he said. “She is capable of representing Nigeria’s interests on the world stage.”
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, a former academic and current policy advocate, is also among the nominees generating interest.
Her appointment to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Development is seen by some as a strategic move to bring innovative ideas to Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Oduwole has a record of advocating for small businesses and economic reforms, which she believes can boost Nigeria’s industrial growth.
In her words from a recent interview, she said, “I see immense potential in Nigeria’s industries. We just need to create the right environment for businesses to thrive.”
As Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda is expected to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues: poverty.
With recent reports showing poverty levels on the rise, Yilwatda’s role will be crucial in steering Nigeria toward a more inclusive economy.
During the screening, Senators are expected to probe his strategies and plans for reducing poverty in a nation where millions struggle daily.
Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, nominated for Labour and Employment, is another nominee whose role will be highly scrutinized.
The Labour Ministry has been at the heart of discussions on minimum wage, worker’s rights, and job creation.
Many Nigerians are watching closely to see if Dingyadi can bring solutions to longstanding employment issues and labour disputes.
Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, nominated for Minister of State, Education, faces a challenging task in an education sector struggling with inadequate funding and high dropout rates.
Education advocates have urged the government to prioritize teacher training, infrastructure, and policy reforms, hoping Ahmad will champion these causes.
Ahmad’s position is particularly crucial as Nigeria looks to expand access to quality education, which many believe is key to national development.
Meanwhile, Idi Maiha, set to become Minister of Livestock Development, will head a newly established ministry aimed at boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
With ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, Maiha’s role may involve addressing these tensions while promoting sustainable livestock farming.
Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, nominated for Minister of State, Housing, will focus on Nigeria’s pressing housing deficit and the need for affordable homes.
