President Tinubu Sets Agenda As Ministers Takes Oath

Forty-five ministers will today take the oath of office with a focus on the economy and security of Nigeria.

CityNews Nigeriahad earlier reported that theministers concluded their documentation this weekend.

Top Presidency sources that spoke with Punch on Sunday revealed that the ministers would be guided by the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu as stated in his election manifesto.

It was further stated that President Tinubu might put in place a performance index for his cabinet members.

This decision was reached to see the performance of the ministers have an immediate impact on the economy, security, and other key areas.

President Tinubu has intentions to build on the achievements of his predecessor in the areas of blue economy, security, job creation, and anti-corruption.

The source said, “The President will likely set goals for them (ministers) in terms of the key objectives his administration seeks to achieve. He will speak generally to his expectations from the ministers and also challenge them on how they can work together in synergy to actualize his programs and policy as contained in his manifesto for the economic development of the country.”

Tinubu had last Wednesday unveiled the portfolios of 45 ministers nine days after they were confirmed by the Senate.

Like his predecessor, the President will head the petroleum ministry while a former Senator, Heineken Lokpobiri, is the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources.

In his 80-page manifesto containing multi-sectoral policy options tagged, ‘Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria,’ Tinubu listed an eight-point agenda that his administration would vigorously pursue.

Top on his priority lists of action plans was national security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation and education.

He also outlined policy options for healthcare, digital economy, women empowerment, judicial reform, federalism, decentralisation of power and foreign policy.

The document also included programmes on decent wages for workers, manufacturing, naira stability and total transformation of the country.

In a statement that accompanied the release of the manifesto on October 20, 2022, Tinubu said, “When I was governor of Lagos, my team and I developed institutions and policies that changed the face of the state. It became a safe place for its residents and an engine of prosperity for all those willing to work in pursuit of their economic dreams.

“What my team and I achieved in Lagos, together we all can achieve for Nigeria. Our objective is to foster a new society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard.”

Four top officials in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chief of Staff to the President who spoke with Punch said that to create immediate impacts, the ministers would tackle economic and security challenges facing the country.

The source stated, “Although the manifesto will be our guide, emphasis will be on the economy and security. This administration inherited a battered economy with many Nigerians facing a cash crunch. The cabinet will have the mandate of tackling security and economic challenges.”

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at the inauguration venue with the deployment of security operatives, ahead of the swearing-in.

A source said, “The security there has been beefed up and according to the arrangement on the ground, no car either from the ministers-designate, their guests, or any other person would be allowed into the venue.”