By Amofokhai Williams
In a groundbreaking decision that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Tinubu has scrapped the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Ministry of Sports Development.
The announcement, made after a pivotal Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, signals a dramatic shift in Tinubu’s approach to regional and sports development.
The Niger Delta Ministry, which for years oversaw one of Nigeria’s most critical oil-rich regions, is now history. In its place, the government has introduced a new Ministry of Regional Development.
This body will manage regional commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North West, South West, and North East Development Commissions, marking a departure from a singular focus on the Niger Delta.
Sports enthusiasts were equally taken aback by the dismantling of the Ministry of Sports Development. The responsibility for sports administration will now fall under the National Sports Commission, signaling what the government describes as a more streamlined and efficient approach to nurturing talent and international competition.
Additionally, in another sweeping reform, the Ministry of Tourism will merge with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, underscoring the government’s vision to capitalize on Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and booming entertainment industry.
These far-reaching changes, approved by the FEC, indicate Tinubu’s intent to consolidate power while ensuring efficiency in governance.
The move has already sparked debates across the country, with some praising it as necessary, while others fear the dissolution of critical ministries may leave key sectors underserved.
