As Nigeria’s Independence Day approaches on October 1, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly preparing to reshuffle his cabinet amidst growing concerns over the administration’s handling of the economy. Sources close to the presidency, as gathered by ApplesBite, suggest that key ministries such as Petroleum Resources, Power, Transport, Water Resources, Environment, and Defense are expected to be impacted by the changes.
The reshuffle comes amid increasing unease within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where some party leaders have expressed frustration over the president’s economic policies. Fears are mounting that the party’s chances of retaining power in the 2027 general elections could be compromised unless there is a significant shift in leadership and direction.
A senior APC chieftain, speaking anonymously to ApplesBite, shared the party’s dissatisfaction, citing the delayed replacement of Simon Lalong, the former Minister of Labour and Employment, and the prolonged vacancy at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. “We are concerned that critical ministries, particularly those impacting Nigerians directly, remain without leadership,” the source said. “The president must act swiftly to address these gaps.”
This concern over unfilled positions is echoed across the party, with insiders pointing out that political calculations for 2027 seem to be taking precedence over current challenges facing the nation. The delay in filling these roles, coupled with the suspension of key figures like Bette Edu, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, has contributed to the disquiet.
ApplesBite investigations reveal that President Tinubu, expected back in Abuja soon, will likely announce the cabinet reshuffle before or on October 1. According to a reliable source, “The president has been closely monitoring his ministers’ performances and is ready to make the necessary changes to improve governance.”
Public affairs analyst Solomon Enemari advised that the new cabinet should be composed of technocrats rather than career politicians if Tinubu hopes to make a lasting impact. “The country needs a cabinet filled with competent professionals, much like former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, which succeeded in part due to the quality of its appointments,” Enemari told ApplesBite.
With the ongoing challenges, such as the floods devastating parts of Nigeria, Enemari also questioned the absence of meaningful interventions from the Ministries of Water Resources and Environment. He criticized the lack of action, urging the president to appoint ministers who can address the nation’s pressing issues.
Tinubu, who appointed 47 ministers across 28 ministries in August, has defended the large size of his cabinet as necessary to ensure widespread representation and efficient governance. However, the recent establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development could see the number of ministries rise to 29, with additional ministers appointed to accommodate new portfolios.
As Nigerians await the upcoming reshuffle, all eyes will be on President Tinubu to see if his new appointments can steer the administration toward economic recovery and restore confidence in the APC ahead of future elections.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
