President Bola Tinubu has recently appointed 22 prominent Nigerians to key federal government agencies and commissions, signaling a significant move to revitalize public institutions and deepen governance reforms. Among the appointees are former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Ayim Pius Ayim, immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shaibu, and former Governor of Katsina State Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

Ken Nnamani has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), while Ayim Pius Ayim will chair the National Merit Awards. Ibrahim Shehu Shema is set to head the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Philip Shaibu has been appointed as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sport, reflecting the government’s focus on youth development and sports promotion.

Other notable appointments include Comrade Isa Aremu, a renowned activist from Kwara State, as the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies. Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara State has been named the new Managing Director for the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), working alongside Abubakar Umar Jarengol from Adamawa State as Executive Director (Operations/Technical) and Babaranti Ayandayo Rasheed from Osun State as Executive Director (Finance and Administration).

Further appointments include Asabe Vilita Bashir from Borno State as the Director-General of the National Centre for Women's Development, and Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe from Ondo State as the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Abuja. Segun Aina from Osun State will serve as the Director-General of the Academic Staff College of Nigeria. Senator Jalo Zarami from Yobe State and Joseph Haruna Kigbu from Nasarawa State have been appointed as Federal Commissioners for the National Population Commission.

Hamza Ibrahim Baba from Kano State has been appointed as the National Program Manager of the Government Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Program (GEEP). Abubakar Adamu from Benue State is the new Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria. Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim from Kogi State and Abdullahi Mohammed from Katsina State will serve as Executive Directors at the Nigeria-Sao Tome Joint Development Authority. Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura from Zamfara State will be the Director-General of the Centre for Citizenship and Leadership Training, and Senator Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya from Katsina will chair the Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu from Kaduna State is the new Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, and Professor Almustapha Alhaji Aliyu from Sokoto State has been appointed as Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML).

Senator Ali Ndume has commended President Tinubu for these appointments, particularly noting the inclusion of northerners into strategic federal agencies, which he sees as a commitment to inclusive governance. Ndume had previously criticized the administration for perceived regional imbalances in appointments, referencing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution. He now acknowledges that President Tinubu has shown himself to be a leader who listens to constructive criticism and adjusts accordingly.

Ndume emphasized that his earlier criticisms were not personal and reiterated his confidence in President Tinubu's ability to deliver on the expectations of Nigerians. He urged the new appointees to justify the confidence placed in them and assured President Tinubu of his continued loyalty, while also maintaining his duty as a lawmaker to point out any perceived excesses of the executive.

Gov Radda celebrates four eminent appointees by President Tinubu from Katsina, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya, Abdullahi Mohammed, and Samaila Audu.