On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with six other nominees as part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle. This confirmation followed the dismissal of several ministers on October 21, 2024.
In addition to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Senate also approved Dr. Jumoke Oduwole for the position of 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 Senate 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.
After about five hours of screening, the nominees were approved via a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Each nominee presented their strategies for improving their ministries, emphasizing reforms and goals aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s development.
This confirmation signals a new beginning for several ministries following the recent handover process. Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim took over as Minister of Women Affairs on Monday, succeeding Uju Kennedy Ohanenye. The Ministry of Tourism also underwent a leadership transition, with former Minister Lola Ade-John handing over to the new Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
Earlier, the Senate suspended its procedural rules after a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to allow Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, to accompany the nominees into the plenary session.
The newly 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 FEC meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 4, where the cabinet reshuffle will be addressed.
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