The Presidency has relieved Fegho John Umunubo of his duties as Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy (Office of the Vice President), with immediate effect.
A statement issued on Monday by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information in the State House, confirmed the disengagement, stressing that Umunubo no longer represents the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any capacity. The Presidency further warned stakeholders in the digital and creative sectors to desist from engaging him on behalf of the government, adding that any such interaction would be at their own risk.
Although the official statement did not disclose reasons for his removal, reports suggest that Umunubo had earlier been suspended for over two months following allegations of misconduct. These included claims of unauthorized contract agreements, overstepping his mandate, and controversies surrounding the ₦5 billion Creative Fund and the $617 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program.
Umunubo, who was appointed to coordinate government’s engagement with the fast-growing digital and creative industries, reacted shortly after the announcement. In a brief message shared via Instagram, he wrote: “It has been my honor to serve this country and the Creative Industry. Now I am free to fly.”
His exit comes at a time the administration is seeking to expand the digital and creative economy as a critical driver of growth and job creation beyond the oil sector. The abrupt dismissal has therefore raised questions about the continuity of key initiatives in the sector and the government’s strategy moving forward.
So far, there has been no official statement regarding a replacement for the position or how ongoing programs will be managed in the absence of Umunubo.