In a significant shakeup aimed at boosting government efficiency, President Bola Tinubu dismissed five ministers on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
The decision, disclosed in a statement by the presidency following the Federal Executive Council meeting, marks a strategic move within Tinubu’s administration.
Since Nigeria’s return to civilian governance in 1999, ministerial dismissals have become a recurring feature across administrations, often reflecting shifting political priorities and responses to scandals or public dissatisfaction.
From Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency to those of Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and now Bola Tinubu, ministerial exits—whether abrupt dismissals or quiet resignations—have reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
Compiled by The Nation, below is a comprehensive list of notable ministerial sackings since 1999 till date:
1. Barth Nnaji – Minister of Power, forced to resign in 2012 amid allegations regarding the bidding process for the sale of Afam Power Plant.
2. Michael Aondoakaa – Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, removed in 2010 under controversial circumstances by then-acting President Goodluck Jonathan.
3. Fabian Osuji – Minister of Education, dismissed in March 2005 due to corruption allegations involving bribery to the National Assembly.
4. Stella Oduah – Minister of Aviation, sacked in February 2014 over corruption scandals related to the purchase of luxury vehicles for her ministry.
5. Prof. Adenike Grange – Minister of Health, resigned amid a scandal involving a N300 million fraud case in 2008.
6. Sabo Nanono – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, sacked on September 1, 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari during a cabinet reshuffle.
7. Saleh Mamman – Minister of Power, dismissed alongside Nanono in September 2021 as part of a cabinet shake-up.
8. Caleb Olubolade – Minister of Police Affairs, removed in 2014 to allow him to pursue gubernatorial ambitions in Ekiti State.
9. Godsday Orubebe – Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, sacked in 2015 to enable his run for Delta State governorship.
10. Yerima Ngama – Minister of State for Finance, dismissed in 2014 after announcing his gubernatorial ambitions in Yobe State.
11. Shamsudeen Usman – Former Minister of National Planning, removed during a cabinet reshuffle in 2014.
12. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai – Education Minister, sacked in 2013 after failing to resolve ongoing strikes by academic unions.
13. Amal Iyingiala Pepple – Minister of Housing, dismissed in September 2013 during a significant cabinet overhaul by President Jonathan.
14. Bukar Tijani – Sacked from his ministerial position in September 2013 after serving from July 2011.
15. Olusola Obada – Former Minister of State for Defence, removed during a major reshuffle in September 2013.
16. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi – Served as Minister of State for Power and Niger Delta Affairs; inadvertently sacked during a cabinet meeting in September 2013.
17. Betta Edu – Embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu was suspended over alleged money laundering.
Edu was under heavy criticism after a memo surfaced where she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
The instructions for the payment are contained in a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023.
Edu didn’t deny paying N585m into a private account. In defence, the Minister claimed the payment followed due process.
18. Uju Kennedy – Recently served as Minister for Women Affairs under the regime of President Bola Ahemd Tinubu. She was dismissed in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.
19. Lola Ade-John – Recently served as Minister for Tourism. Was also dismissed in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.
20. Tahir Mamman – Recently served as Minister for Education. Was also sacked in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet, aimed at improving government operations on Wednesday, October 23.
21. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo – Recently served as the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Was also sacked in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.
22. Jamila Bio Ibrahim – Recenetly served as minister of youth development. Was also recently sacked in a major shakeup of the President’s cabinet on Wednesday, October 23.
