Amidst the intricate tapestry of governance, the effectiveness of a nation’s leadership hinges upon the performance of its ministers. In the dynamic realm of Nigerian politics, the contributions of government ministers wield considerable influence over the nation’s course. As the tenure of President Bola Tinubu’s administration reaches its inaugural anniversary, it becomes imperative to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of key ministerial roles and their impact on national progress.

This article embarks on an exploration of the achievements and potential avenue for enhancement of the performance of prominent ministers, including Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle. Concurrently, it scrutinises the endeavours of other distinguished first-grade ministers such as Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works and Housing, Dave Umahi; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Tunji-Ojo of Interior Ministr; Dr Bosun Tijani of Communication and Digital Economy; Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi of Information and National Orientation, and the Petroleum Ministry.

Through a meticulous analysis of their milestones and the challenges they face, this piece endeavours to provide insights into the accomplishments and potential areas for refinement within the framework of President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Celebrating Matawalle’s commitment to national security

It is crucial to highlight the exceptional achievements of Matawalle. In his dedication to ensuring the security and well-being of Nigerians, he has been unwavering, marking him as a pivotal figure in our nation’s pursuit of peace and stability.

Matawalle has consistently demonstrated his commitment to addressing security challenges and supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His various initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing national security have yielded tangible results, earning him praise and admiration from both the government and the populace.

The minister’s notable achievement is his relentless efforts to champion inter-ministerial collaboration in the fight against insecurity. Recognising that security is a multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated approach, he has worked tirelessly to forge partnerships with other ministries and agencies, fostering synergy and maximising resources for optimal results.

Furthermore, his determination to see that our military needs and equipment are produced locally through DICON is commendable. By promoting indigenous production of military hardware, he not only strengthens our national defence capabilities but also contributes to the growth and development of local industries.

In addition to his domestic efforts, Matawalle has been actively engaged in curbing insecurity in the maritime domain, particularly in combating sea piracy and related crimes. His continued collaborations with strategic partners have helped to bolster maritime security and safeguard our nation’s waters.

To elevate his impact further, Matawalle could enhance inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with counterparts in intelligence, foreign affairs, and technology, to leverage diverse resources in combating insecurity. Additionally, fostering greater synergy with regional and international partners can fortify Nigeria’s defence strategies and facilitate information sharing for preemptive measures against emerging threats.

Wale Edun: Charting a path to economic prosperity
As the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun has been entrusted with the monumental task of steering Nigeria’s economy towards prosperity. Observably, he is implementing various fiscal policies aimed at promoting economic growth, attracting investment, and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

One of Edun’s key achievements is his role in navigating Nigeria through the challenges posed by the economic downturn. His prudent fiscal management and proactive measures are seen to be helping to mitigate the adverse effects of external shocks on the economy, maintaining macroeconomic stability amidst uncertainty.

However, there are areas where Edun can further enhance his performance. One of such areas is greater transparency and accountability in financial transactions. While efforts have been made to improve fiscal transparency, there is still room for improvement, particularly in budget implementation and revenue generation.

Furthermore, Edun should prioritise inclusive economic growth, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are equitably distributed across all segments of the society. This requires targeted interventions to address socio-economic inequalities and empower marginalised communities, thereby fostering inclusive growth and reducing poverty levels.

Also, there is need to leverage innovative financing mechanisms to diversify revenue streams and mitigate external vulnerabilities. Strengthening partnerships with multilateral institutions and private sector stakeholders can facilitate the implementation of transformative economic policies.
Nyesom Wike: Transforming the Federal Capital Territory

In his capacity as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike has spearheaded various infrastructural projects aimed at transforming Abuja into a world-class city. Under his leadership, significant progress has been made in enhancing the urban landscape and improving the quality of life for residents.

One of Wike’s notable achievements is his focus on infrastructural development, including road construction, housing projects, and urban renewal initiatives. These efforts have not only enhanced the aesthetics of Abuja but have also contributed to economic growth and job creation in the territory.

Yet, there are areas where Wike can improve his performance. One of such areas is the greater inclusivity in development planning and implementation. While urban areas have witnessed significant progress, there is a need to prioritise rural development and ensure that all segments of society benefit from government interventions.

Additionally, Wike should address concerns relating to transparency and accountability in land allocation and procurement processes within the FCT. Ensuring greater transparency will enhance public trust and confidence in government institutions, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development.

Most importantly, sustaining momentum in infrastructure delivery necessitates streamlined regulatory frameworks and enhanced transparency in procurement processes. Embracing digital solutions for urban planning and management can optimise resource allocation and ensure equitable access to public services.
Dave Umahi: Building the foundations of a stronger Nigeria

As Minister of Works, Dave Umahi plays a critical role in advancing infrastructure development and initiatives across the country. His tenure has been characterised by a commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. His emphasis on road construction and rehabilitation initiatives has facilitated connectivity and spurred economic growth.

One of Umahi’s key achievements is his focus on quality assurance and timely project delivery. Under his leadership, infrastructure projects have been completed efficiently, ensuring maximum impact and value for money. This has contributed to improving connectivity, enhancing productivity, and stimulating economic growth in various regions.

Nonetheless, there are areas where Minister Umahi can enhance his performance. One of such areas is greater collaboration with state and local governments in infrastructure planning and implementation. By fostering partnerships at all levels of government, Umahi can leverage resources more effectively and accelerate the pace of infrastructure development nationwide.

More so, addressing challenges such as project delays and budgetary constraints requires innovative project management strategies and enhanced stakeholder engagement.

Investing in capacity building for local contractors and adopting sustainable construction practices can optimize project outcomes and minimize environmental impact.

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu: Driving economic growth and development
As Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Bagudu is tasked with the responsibility of formulating policies and strategies to promote economic growth and development in Nigeria. As such, he has focused on implementing reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and attracting investment.

Bagudu’s notable achievement is his role in developing a robust national development plan that outlines strategic priorities and objectives for sustainable growth. This plan provides a roadmap for achieving key economic targets, including poverty reduction, job creation, and inclusive development.

Still, there are areas where he can improve his performance. One of such areas is greater coordination and coherence in policy implementation across different sectors. By fostering synergy between ministries and agencies, Bagudu can ensure that policies are aligned and complementary, maximising their impact and effectiveness.

Furthermore, Bagudu should prioritise investment in human capital development, including education and skills training, to enhance productivity and competitiveness. By investing in the country’s greatest asset – its people –Bagudu can lay the foundations for long-term economic prosperity and social progress.

Optimising resource allocation to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure necessitates a comprehensive review of budgetary frameworks and performance monitoring mechanisms. Strengthening coordination with sub-national governments and leveraging data analytics for evidence-based policy formulation can maximise the impact of budgetary interventions.

Dele Alake: Unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals
As Minister of Solid Minerals, Alake plays a crucial role in harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources for economic development. Since he assumed office, he has focused on attracting investment, promoting sustainable mining practices, and maximising the value of mineral exports.

One of Alake’s key achievements is his efforts to streamline regulatory frameworks and create an enabling environment for investment in the solid minerals sector. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving transparency, Alake has enhanced investors’ confidence and stimulated growth in the industry.

However, there are areas where he can enhance his performance. One of such areas is greater emphasis on environmental sustainability and community engagement in mining operations. By prioritising responsible mining practices and engaging with local communities, Alake can minimise the negative impacts of mining activities and ensure that communities benefit from resource extraction.

Furthermore, he should explore opportunities for value addition and downstream processing in the solid minerals sector. By promoting domestic beneficiation and adding value to raw mineral exports, he can create additional revenue streams, generate employment, and spur industrial development in related sectors.

Addressing challenges such as illegal mining activities and inadequate infrastructure requires enhanced enforcement mechanisms and strategic partnerships with relevant agencies. Investing in geological mapping and exploration technologies can facilitate resource discovery and optimise value chain integration in the solid minerals sector.

In conclusion, the first-year performance assessment of President Tinubu’s ministers reveals a mixed picture of achievements and areas for improvement. While commendable strides have been made in various sectors, there remain challenges that must be addressed to fully realize Nigeria’s potential for growth and development.

By leveraging the successes of Matawalle and his counterparts and addressing key areas for improvement, President Tinubu’s administration can continue on its path towards building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria for all.

Matawalle exemplifies leadership excellence in advancing national security priorities, while his counterparts across various ministries play integral roles in shaping Nigeria’s trajectory towards prosperity and resilience.

Relatedly, in a resounding testament to unwavering dedication and a visionary approach, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has performed well in the Ministry of Interior.

His tenure has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped the landscape of service delivery, reformed policies, and placed the welfare of Nigerian citizens at the forefront.

Swift resolution of passport backlogs
Tunji-Ojo exhibited exceptional efficiency by swiftly resolving a backlog of 204,000 passport applications within two weeks at the Nigerian Immigration Service.

This monumental accomplishment underscores his commitment to expeditious service delivery for Nigerian citizens.

Besides, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, is another example of a member of the current federal executive council that is obviously having a great time under the administration of President Tinubu. That is the way we see it in this part of the world. When a cabinet minister hops from place to place, sometimes flying long distances without even the opportunity to read vital memos in the office, we say the person is enjoying, even with little thought to the risk of flying.

The minister has made some movements within the short span of this government. He was at the G20 New Delhi Summit, India, in September 2023. Also in September, he was at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which Tinubu was attending for the first time as President of Nigeria. Bosun spoke on the sideline. Last month, he was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

This administration, like others before it, sees technology as a major lever to pull the economy out of its present sorry state and stamp it with redemptive accoutrement even before the global community. Bosun, who has had a glowing practice in the private sector, is leading the charge and, therefore, has to attend these meetings and speak to people with homogeneous thoughts on global economy.

Well, as a professional journalist myself, I wouldn’t round up this segment of my ministerial assessment without looking towards the direction of the publisher of Blueprints newspaper Alhaji Mohammed Idris whose avowed advocacy for good governance and accountability through his media platform reflects his dedication to societal progress. In a publication carried by Premium Times dated August 17, 2023, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malagi was reported to have carried on his duty in such a fashion that signifies a significant step toward advancing effective communication and fostering a cohesive national identity. His diverse expertise, dedication, and exemplary leadership make him an indispensable asset in driving these efforts forward.

The dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics has been enlivened by the announcement and subsequent confirmation of Malagi from Niger State as the Minister of Information and National Orientation. This development has sparked a surge of anticipation and optimism, underscoring the potential for transformative change in the communication and orientation spheres.

As a seasoned media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political leader, Mohammed Idris personifies a unique blend of skills and attributes that position him as an essential catalyst for driving the nation’s communication and orientation efforts within Tinubu’s cabinet.

From his track record of accomplishments to his dedication to positive change, Idris embodies the qualities of a visionary leader who can help shape a more informed and cohesive Nigeria.

Idris’s journey from his formative years to his current role is a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth and societal betterment. His academic achievements underscore his intellectual prowess and commitment to education. This solid foundation has undoubtedly contributed to his success as a leader who values continuous learning and the pursuit of new skills.

Onwubiko is head of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and was a commissioner in the National Human Rights Commission.