President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering scrapping the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This decision is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle that aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the government.

Sources within the Presidency have indicated that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, established in August 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, may be dissolved. The ministry was initially created to streamline and coordinate humanitarian interventions, disaster response, and social welfare programs. However, President Tinubu believes that the functions of this ministry can be effectively managed by existing agencies without the need for a separate ministry.

The proposed cabinet rejig will not only see the dissolution of the humanitarian ministry but also the merging of several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This restructuring is expected to result in some portfolios being split, while others will be consolidated into single entities. Additionally, some ministers may be relieved of their duties as part of this overhaul.

The move comes amid increasing pressure on President Tinubu to address underperformance within his cabinet. Despite warnings issued about ten months ago, the cabinet has remained largely unchanged, except for the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in January 2024.

A source close to the Presidency stated, “It is not just about reshuffling his cabinet. He is also going to restructure some of the ministries for effectiveness and output because the current structure in some of them is not effective. Just to let you know, he may be scrapping the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs because he does not think there is a need for it. There are several agencies that are performing those functions already and they can do it without a ministry. So, he sees no need for it”.

This cabinet reshuffle is seen as a critical step in President Tinubu’s efforts to achieve his administration’s goals and improve governance in Nigeria. The President’s decision is expected to be officially announced soon, with the changes taking effect immediately.