ABUJA, Nigeria — On Monday, August 7, 2023, the Nigerian Senate confirmed 45 out of 48 cabinet nominees proposed by President Bola Tinubu, bringing to a close a week of rigorous vetting for some and brief introductions for others.
After an exhaustive series of voice votes, Senate President Godswill Akpabio approved all but three of the nominations.
The pending candidates include former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Stella Okotete of Delta State, and Abubakar Danladi from Taraba State, whose security clearances are reportedly under review.
The Senate’s confirmation arrives more than a week after President Tinubu submits a 28-member list to the red chamber on July 27, 2023.
The subsequent screenings saw a cavalcade of prominent figures, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Abubakar Kyari of Borno State, as well as delegates from states like Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, and Jigawa.
Tuesday’s review included a slew of ex-governors such as Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, and continued Wednesday with figures like Dele Alake, Lateef Fagbemi, and Muhammad Idris.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu issued a supplementary list of 19 nominees last Wednesday, only to recall the nomination of Maryam Shetty of Kano State two days later.
Shetty was replaced with Festus Keyamo and Mariya Mahmoud.
The final stretch of screenings, spanning Friday to Monday, August 7, 2023, featured a diverse range of nominees, concluding with Mahmoud and Keyamo.
The rigorous, comprehensive nature of the confirmation process underscores the Nigerian Senate’s commitment to careful oversight in forming President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Now, the nation’s eyes are on the pending candidates, their upcoming confirmations and the impact of the newly assembled team on the course of the Tinubu administration.
Final Batch of Ministerial Nominees Set for Senate Screening
The Senate is poised to screen and confirm the last batch of ministerial nominees on Saturday, August 5, 2023, wrapping up an intensive process that will finalize the appointments for the 48 ministers set to join the government’s executive branch.
Initially due to begin its long holiday at the end of July, the upper legislative chamber suspended the break to ensure that the screening and confirmation of all ministerial nominees are completed before proceeding on the annual recess.
The Saturday’s Order Paper, containing the list of the last batch of nominees, was released to the public and includes the following individuals:
- Lola Ade-John – Lagos
- Bosun Tijani – Ogun
- Dr. Isiak Salako – Ogun
- Dr. Tahir Mamman – Adamawa
- Uba Maigari Ahmadu – Tarabara
- Dr. Mariya Mahmoud – Kano
- Festus Keyamo, SAN – Delta
The screening process is expected to be rigorous, as the Senate undertakes its constitutional role of vetting the qualifications and preparedness of each nominee to serve in their respective ministerial positions.
The decision to continue working through the holiday underscores the importance of the confirmation process and the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition into the new term.
The nominees, representing various states and professional backgrounds, are considered critical players in the nation’s governance.
Among the nominees, Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Delta State, has drawn significant attention due to his legal expertise and prominent role in national affairs.
Confirming the 48 nominees on Saturday will pave the way for the administration to proceed with its policy agenda unimpeded, as the full cabinet will be in place.
Political observers and analysts are keenly watching the process, as the composition of the new ministerial team will provide insight into the government’s priorities and strategic direction for the coming years.
The swift action by the Senate reflects the urgency and importance placed on governance, with the expectation that the newly confirmed ministers will play a vital role in implementing the administration’s vision for national development.
