Abuja - Today, forty-five ministers will officially take the oath of office in a ceremony that will place a strong emphasis on Nigeria's economy and security. This follows the completion of their documentation over the weekend, as previously reported by Naija News.
High-ranking sources within the Presidency revealed to Punch on Sunday that the ministers will be guided by President Bola Tinubu's eight-point agenda, which is outlined in his election manifesto. Additionally, it is said that President Tinubu may implement a performance index to assess the ministers' effectiveness in key areas such as the economy and security.
The primary goal for President Tinubu is to build on the achievements of his predecessor, focusing on areas such as the blue economy, security, job creation, and anti-corruption.
One source stated, "The President will likely set goals for them (ministers) in terms of the key objectives his administration seeks to achieve. He will speak generally to his expectations from the ministers and also challenge them on how they can work together in synergy to actualize his programs and policy as contained in his manifesto for the economic development of the country."
Last Wednesday, Tinubu revealed the portfolios of the 45 ministers, nine days after their confirmation by the Senate. Similar to his predecessor, President Tinubu will oversee the petroleum ministry, while Senator Heineken Lokpobiri is appointed as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Tinubu's 80-page manifesto, titled 'Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria,' outlines an eight-point agenda that his administration will vigorously pursue. Key priorities include national security, the economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation, and education.
The manifesto also proposes policy options for healthcare, digital economy, women empowerment, judicial reform, federalism, decentralization of power, and foreign policy. In addition, it highlights programs focused on decent wages for workers, manufacturing, naira stability, and the total transformation of the country.
In a statement released on October 20, 2022, alongside the manifesto, Tinubu expressed his vision for a new society founded on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and equal respect for all citizens.
Top officials in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chief of Staff to the President confirmed that the ministers will prioritize tackling the economic and security challenges facing the country.
The source emphasized, "Although the manifesto will be our guide, emphasis will be on the economy and security. This administration inherited a battered economy with many Nigerians facing a cash crunch. The cabinet will have the mandate of tackling security and economic challenges."
Meanwhile, tight security measures have been implemented at the inauguration venue, with the deployment of security operatives to ensure a safe and orderly event. No vehicles, whether belonging to ministers or their guests, will be allowed into the venue as part of the security arrangements.
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