As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrates his administration’s second anniversary, the spotlight is on his cabinet’s performance. In the first installment of this series, we look at ministers’ successes, shortcomings, and overall impact, assessing their contributions to policy implementation, resource management, and Nigerian development in the face of ongoing challenges. Report by and

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks two years in office, the nation inevitably casts a critical eye on the performance of his cabinet. The effectiveness of these ministers, their ability to translate policy into tangible results, and their stewardship of resources are paramount to Nigeria’s progress. The assessment delves into the key achievements, challenges and overall impact of select ministers, offering a nuanced perspective on the administration’s journey thus far.

 While some have garnered praise for their dynamism and impact, others face scrutiny for perceived shortcomings and persistent sectoral challenges.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has emerged as a key figure in the Tinubu administration. His tenure has been distinguished by an aggressive, some may say relentless, pursuit of infrastructure renewal. Roads that had long been in disrepair have been resurrected, and long-abandoned projects have been completed, most notably the Southern Parkway, now renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, the Wuye Bridge Interchange, and the Outer Southern Motorway, which have dramatically improved traffic flow in congested areas.

“It is been decades since we have seen this level of energy around abandoned projects,” said Kemi Ogundele, a policy analyst at Abuja Urban Policy Watch.

“The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, formerly the Southern Parkway, and the Wuye Bridge Interchange are more than just roads; they are symbols of renewed commitment.”

Aside from these flagship projects, Wike has overseen the resurfacing of 189 inner-city roads in high-density areas such as Garki, Wuse, Asokoro, and Maitama, with work continuing on 366 more. Over 42 kilometres of roads are being built in rural communities, including Kuje and Bwari, by Area Councils.

“We felt forgotten for years,” said Falmata Bello, a petty trader from Kuje. Now that the Tipper Garage road is under construction, I can move goods more quickly and cheaply.”

Ibrahim Lawal, a policy analyst at the Urban Development Initiative, stated, “Wike brought political will to the table. Projects that had been gathering dust for over a decade are now operational. That is commendable.”

Another notable accomplishment is the revival of the Abuja Light Rail system, which was previously regarded as a white elephant. Now operational, it provides an alternative to the daily traffic jam. In addition, three modern bus terminals are under construction to improve intra-city commuting.

“When done correctly, public transport can transform lives, from cost savings for commuters to reduced urban pollution,” said activist Tolu Adebayo.

Wike’s influence extends beyond the physical infrastructure. He has spearheaded administrative reforms, most notably the removal of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which increased its financial flexibility. “This allows the FCTA to complete projects more quickly, without the bottlenecks of centralised federal control,” said Prof. Kabiru Musa of the Centre for Public Sector Reform.

Another significant step is the reactivation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which had been dormant for many years. “It is about dignity and morale,” stated civil servant Jummai Adamu. “We now know that our careers can advance right here within the FCT system.”

Wike’s approach has been referred to as “executive-style pragmatism.” He has also increased revenue generation by recovering over N2 billion in ground rent arrears through the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

“Wike recognises that a capital city must fund itself,” Bashir Jalo, an economist based in FCT, stated. He explained that this revenue push is critical, especially given declining federal allocations.

Security has also been a primary focus. The formation of a Joint Task Force has resulted in the arrest of notorious kidnappers. Over 100 motorcycles were distributed to community security organisations, while 50 patrol vehicles equipped with communication devices were provided to law enforcement agencies.

“Wike’s approach is tactical, not purely cosmetic. However, long-term security necessitates job creation rather than just guns and boots”, according to Abuja Women’s Safety Network activist Hauwa Bello.

However, Wike’s tenure has also been criticised. Affordable housing remains a major challenge, as real estate prices rise, making it difficult for the working class to find suitable housing. Healthcare delivery remains uneven, with many rural clinics understaffed and inadequately equipped. Water supply, particularly in satellite towns, remains unreliable.

Critics also argue that Wike’s leadership style is too autocratic and that he should make more inclusive decisions. “It is not sufficient to construct roads and bridges.”  Chidi Uba, a policy strategist, cautioned that sustainable development requires inclusivity, accountability, and long-term planning.

Wike’s tough stance on illegal structures has sparked outrage, with some residents claiming it unfairly affects the poor.

Despite these criticisms, there is no denying that Wike has had a significant influence on the FCT. Gloria Ibekwe of the Centre for Citizens’ Engagement stated, “The job is not only to build roads, but also to build trust. Abuja serves as the world’s window into Nigeria. Let it be a window for transparency, opportunity, and equity.”

Wike sees numerous challenges ahead, as well as high expectations. His third year will be critical for establishing his legacy.

 

Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals launched an ambitious seven-point plan to transform the sector. Just under two years in, he has made significant progress in stabilising a once-struggling industry and positioning it as a potential economic pillar.

“What we are witnessing under Dr. Alake is unprecedented. For the first time, it appears that the mining sector is being governed with purpose rather than just paperwork,” said Dr. Rose Abang, Executive Director of Natural Resource Governance Watch.

The Mines Surveillance Task Force, which deploys thousands of mining marshals across the country, has helped to reduce illegal mining. Over 300 illegal miners have been arrested, and many are being prosecuted. A 30-day deadline for illegal operators to form cooperatives resulted in the formation of over 250 legal cooperatives, which generated an estimated 70,650 new jobs.

“Before this task force, our communities resembled the Wild West. Now there is a structure. We feel safer,” said Alhaji Shehu Lawal, a traditional leader in Zamfara State.

The Federal Executive Council’s approval of ₦2.5 billion for satellite-based surveillance technology is a positive step. The Ministry revoked 1,633 licenses for failure to pay statutory service fees, and 924 dormant licenses were cancelled. New guidelines require mining companies to obtain community approval before issuing permits.

“This is among the best reforms. For years, licenses were issued without local consultation. Chief Uchenna Ezike, a community development advocate, stated, “Now we have a voice.”

Revenue in the sector increased by 59.6% from a projected ₦11 billion to over ₦38 billion in 2024. In Q1 2025, the Mining Cadastral Office registered 118 new mineral buying centres and generated nearly ₦7 billion in revenue.

“Investor confidence is returning”.  Mr. Paul Dike, a mineral trade consultant, stated that revenue is increasing as transparency improves.

Dr. Alake has raised Nigeria’s profile in the global mining industry. The government established the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation, a national mining champion with private sector backing.

Nigeria has signed an agreement with German company GeoScan GmBn to map resources up to 10,000 meters underground. Nonetheless, environmental concerns persist. 

While the Ministry has approved reports for the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programme (EPRP), more work is needed to reduce mining’s environmental impact.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Nigeria’s mining contribution to GDP remains low, and illegal mining continues in some areas. Infrastructure gaps and regulatory bottlenecks must also be addressed.

Dr. Dele Alake’s strategy represents a bold transformation of the sector. His first year in office laid the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive mining industry. “We are not only mining minerals,” Dr. Alake recently told reporters. “We are mining prosperity.”

Wale Edun took office as Minister of Finance at a critical time for Nigeria’s economy. He inherited a country plagued by high inflation, a depreciating currency, and a massive debt load. His task has been to stabilise the economy, attract investment, and implement reforms to promote long-term growth.

Edun has led efforts to increase government revenue by improving tax collection and reducing leakages. He has implemented measures to broaden the tax base and increased enforcement to combat tax evasion.  “We are committed to increasing government revenue to support essential services and infrastructure development. We are working to improve tax collection efficiency and ensure that everyone pays their fair share,” Edun said during a budget briefing.

He has also advocated for fiscal discipline, putting in place measures to reduce government spending and increase public expenditure efficiency. He has emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in government finance.  “We are determined to manage public resources prudently and ensure that every naira is well spent. We are committed to transparency and accountability in all financial transactions,” Edun stated.

Furthermore, Edun has been a key player in negotiating debt relief and restructuring agreements with international creditors. He has worked to reduce Nigeria’s debt and free up funds for development. 

“We are actively managing our debt portfolio and exploring ways to reduce our debt burden. This will allow us to invest more in critical areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Edun said.

However, Nigeria’s economy continues to face significant challenges. Inflation remains stubbornly high, reducing purchasing power and affecting living standards.  The naira has continued to depreciate, raising import prices and exacerbating inflationary pressures.  Furthermore, unemployment remains a major issue, especially among young people.

“The Minister of Finance has taken steps to stabilise the economy, but the challenges remain daunting. Inflation is still too high, the naira is under pressure, and unemployment remains a major concern,” said one economist.

Edun has been committed to fiscal responsibility and economic reform throughout his tenure, but the severity of the country’s economic challenges has limited the impact of his policies. To achieve long-term economic growth, he must step up his efforts to combat inflation, stabilise the currency, and create jobs. His success will be determined by his ability and capacity to navigate Nigeria’s complex economic landscape and implement policies that benefit all citizens.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has prioritised modernising the ministry and its agencies, which include the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). He has emphasised the use of technology to improve efficiency throughout these organisations.

The Nigeria Immigration Service, which had a backlog of passport applications, has undergone significant reforms. The minister stated that over 200,000 passport backlogs have been cleared.  The transition from a paper registration model to a fully automated application process is a positive development. Other improvements include the implementation of a contactless biometrics system and passport home delivery.

The NSCDC, which some saw as being overshadowed by the Nigerian Police, has been reawakened, with significant arrests in connection with illegal mining operations. The introduction of Mining Marshals is another positive development.

The Nigerian Correctional Service, which faced challenges such as overcrowding and poor conditions, has made some progress. The ministry raised over N600 million to pay petty fines for over 4,000 inmates, reducing facility congestion by 5%. More than ten correctional facilities have undergone renovation.

The Federal Fire Service claims to have improved response times and reduced property losses due to fires. The service has also been expanded with the addition of new zonal and state commands.

NIMC has also seen improvements, including the implementation of mobile enrolment devices and the revalidation of Front-End Enrolment Partner (FEP) licenses.

However, some critics argue that the reforms are insufficient and that more must be done to address the underlying issues confronting the ministry’s agencies.

Pastor Chukwudi Obiora believes the Federal Fire Service should do more to ensure effective service delivery. Hassan Muhammad, a businessman, praised the ministry and NIS for visa administration, but said immigration should do more for land borders.

Banker Kemi Adedayo tasked the minister with tightening security around the nation’s correctional facilities across the country.

Despite Tunji-Ojo’s positive steps, there is a sense that the ministry has a long way to go in meeting Nigerians’ needs.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation: Shaping the Narrative?

Alhaji Mohammed Idris became Minister of Information and National Orientation, in charge of shaping the government’s narrative and communicating its policies and achievements to the public. He has prioritised promoting transparency, communicating with the media, and combating misinformation.

Idris has prioritised open communication and engagement with the media, holding regular press briefings and engaging with journalists across multiple platforms. He has emphasised the importance of open and accountable government communication.  “We are committed to delivering accurate and timely information to the public. We believe that transparency is critical for fostering trust and informed public debate,” Idris said at a recent press conference.

He has also launched initiatives to combat misinformation and fake news, collaborating with media companies and civil society organisations to promote media literacy and fact-checking. 

“We are committed to combating the spread of misinformation and fake news. We are collaborating with media organisations and civil society groups to promote media literacy and responsible journalism,” Idris stated.

Furthermore, Idris has worked to promote national unity and cohesion, launching campaigns to instill patriotism and celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity. 

“We are dedicated to promoting national unity and cohesiveness. We believe that by celebrating our diversity and cultivating a sense of shared identity, we can create a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Idris said.

However, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation faces numerous challenges. Trust in government information remains low, especially among certain demographic groups.  Misinformation and fake news continue to spread, eroding public trust in the media and institutions.  Furthermore, the ministry has struggled to effectively reach out to marginalised communities and engage with youth.

“While the Minister of Information has worked to improve communication and combat misinformation, the challenges remain significant.”

A media expert commented that trust in government information is low, misinformation is widespread, and the ministry should do more to reach out to marginalised communities and engage with young people.

Idris’ tenure has demonstrated a commitment to transparency and engagement, but long-term effort and strategic communication are required to foster trust, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. His success will be determined by his ability to effectively communicate government policies, engage diverse audiences, and combat the spread of fake news.

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence: Securing the Nation?

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar’s appointment as Minister of Defence comes as Nigeria faces a number of security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. His primary responsibility has been to strengthen the armed forces, improve coordination among security agencies, and restore peace and stability to troubled areas.

Abubakar has prioritised the modernisation of the military, investing in new equipment, training, and technology. He worked to improve military personnel’s welfare and morale.  “We are committed to modernising our armed forces and providing them with the resources they need to defend our country. We are also committed to improving our military personnel’s welfare and morale,” Abubakar said during a visit to troops in the North-East.

He has also stepped up efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, sending more troops to affected areas and increasing aerial surveillance. He has worked to improve interagency coordination and intelligence gathering.  “We are determined to eliminate terrorism and banditry. We are working closely with other security agencies to improve coordination and intelligence gathering,” Abubakar stated.

Furthermore, Abubakar has prioritised Nigeria’s defence cooperation with other countries, requesting assistance in the areas of training, intelligence sharing, and technology transfer.  “We are actively working with international partners to strengthen our defence capabilities. We are looking for assistance with training, intelligence sharing, and technology transfer,” Abubakar explained.

Regardless of these efforts, Nigeria’s security challenges persist. Terrorist attacks and banditry continue to claim lives and disrupt economic activity across the country.  The armed forces continue to face funding, equipment, and intelligence issues.  Furthermore, the government has struggled to address the underlying causes of insecurity, which include poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

“While the Minister of Defence has taken steps to improve security, the challenges remain daunting. Terrorist attacks and banditry continue to claim lives, the armed forces face funding and equipment challenges, and the government must address the underlying causes of insecurity,” according to a security analyst.

Abubakar’s tenure has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the armed forces and combating insecurity, but long-term effort and a comprehensive approach are required to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. His success will be determined by his ability to modernise the armed forces, improve coordination among security agencies, and address the root causes of insecurity.

Assessing the performance of President Tinubu’s ministers after two years in office reveals a mixed bag of progress and ongoing challenges. While some ministers have demonstrated dynamism and made significant progress in their respective fields, others face criticism for perceived flaws and the persistence of systemic issues.

The successes achieved, such as the aggressive infrastructure drive in the FCT and efforts to formalise the solid minerals sector, provide hints of potential. However, the ongoing challenges of high inflation, widespread insecurity, and deep-seated corruption highlight the long road ahead.

The legacy of this administration will be determined by the ability of these ministers, as well as the entire cabinet, to translate policy pronouncements into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.  It will take long-term commitment, strategic investment, and a willingness to address the underlying causes of the country’s problems. As the administration enters its second half, the emphasis must be on accelerating reform, delivering tangible results, and creating a more prosperous and secure future for all Nigerians. The next two years will be critical in determining whether this administration can deliver on its promises and have a long-term positive impact on the country.