President Bola Tinubu has dismissed concerns over his 48-member cabinet, stating unequivocally that he has no plans to reduce its size. Speaking during a media chat on Monday at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu defended his ministerial appointments as a deliberate effort to ensure “efficiency.”
“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the President said. “Efficiency has been at the core of my selection of ministers.”
The President also doubled down on his decision to remove the petrol subsidy, which has faced criticism from various quarters. “I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We were spending our future, deceiving ourselves. That reform was necessary,” he said.
Cabinet Size Criticism
Tinubu’s 48-member cabinet, announced in August 2023, has been one of the largest in Nigeria’s history, prompting concerns over government spending amid rising inflation and economic challenges. Critics have questioned the creation of new portfolios like the Livestock Ministry, arguing that the resources could be better allocated to address pressing issues such as insecurity and the struggling economy.
Despite a cabinet reshuffle in October 2024—where 10 ministers were reassigned, seven new ones appointed, and five dismissed—the overall size has remained the same.
Changes to the Cabinet
Since its inauguration, Tinubu’s cabinet has undergone several adjustments. In January 2024, Minister Betta Edu was suspended, and Simon Lalong transitioned to the Senate, marking notable departures from the team.
The President’s defense of his cabinet size and decision-making highlights his commitment to a governance approach that prioritizes what he describes as structural reforms, despite public pushback.
