President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted ministers of state full oversight powers over agencies and departments within their portfolios, marking a significant shift in the governance structure of the federal cabinet. Previously, the operational framework limited these junior ministers to more symbolic roles, where files related to their agencies were funneled through permanent secretaries to the senior ministers for approval, effectively sidelining their decision-making capacity.
This new directive allows ministers of state to authorize key administrative processes directly, granting them authority that extends beyond nominal oversight to active governance and strategic direction within their designated areas. A senior source from the office of the Head of Service revealed that Tinubu was dissatisfied with the previous hierarchical setup, which often left ministers of state as “ministers in name,” with their expertise underutilized.
According to the source, this change was first proposed by Hadiza Bala Usman, Tinubu's Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, who argued that empowering ministers of state would enhance government efficiency and responsiveness. Upon hearing her proposal, President Tinubu reportedly endorsed the idea immediately, seeing it as a way to “unlock the full potential” of his ministers, including the 16 junior members in his cabinet.
With this directive, President Tinubu aims to foster a more dynamic and inclusive governance framework, where all 48 ministers are equipped to make impactful decisions that contribute to the administration’s broader goals. The move reflects Tinubu's commitment to maximizing the capabilities of his cabinet members, ensuring that every minister has the mandate to lead effectively within their assigned roles.
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