The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointments of seven new ministers recently nominated by President Bola Tinubu.
The confirmation took place on Wednesday following a hearing on the Senate floor where the nominees discussed their plans for their respective portfolios.
The confirmed nominees include:
- Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,
- Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment,
- Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,
- Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development,
- Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development,
- Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Trade and Investment, and
- Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
President Tinubu had earlier removed five ministers and sought the Senate’s confirmation of these new appointments to fill the vacant and new portfolios.
During the confirmation hearing, Nentawe Yilwatda emphasized the need for accurate geospatial data to ensure that government resources reach impoverished communities effectively. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, in his role as the new Labour Minister, expressed readiness to engage with organized labour to address national concerns.
Meanwhile, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu pledged to ensure that Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad are maintained properly, despite funding constraints. She highlighted the challenges faced by ambassadors in renovating mission buildings due to limited financial support.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed his satisfaction with the nominees, remarking on the quality of the selections.
“I think Mr. President took his time in selecting these ministers,” Akpabio said after the Senate approved the appointments through a vote.
