Be firm, strategic in reshuffling your cabinet, Nataro urges Tinubu

Public sector reform advocate, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be firm in addressing concerns around governance and to introduce more seasoned professionals into the Federal Executive Council during the planned cabinet reshuffle. Nataro, who is also a public finance expert, said in Abuja on Monday that while the President’s […]

Public sector reform advocate, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be firm in addressing concerns around governance and to introduce more seasoned professionals into the Federal Executive Council during the planned cabinet reshuffle.

Nataro, who is also a public finance expert, said in Abuja on Monday that while the President’s economic policies were “headed in the right direction,” stronger measures were needed to reinvigorate the cabinet. He argued that only appointees who clearly understand the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda should be retained.

According to him, the President’s achievements so far have largely come from his own initiatives, particularly in attracting foreign direct investment and pushing for local production in defence and infrastructure. He stressed the need for ministers and advisers who can complement those efforts with fresh ideas and innovative strategies.

“The President has recorded tremendous achievements alone, without adequate complementary helping hands from his cabinet,” Nataro said. “About 85 per cent of them do not know enough about his policy directions. He needs capable and creative hands to support his vision and drive it forward.”

Nataro also called for greater transparency in land allocation and management, stressing that at a time when Nigeria is receiving renewed inflows of foreign investment, policies in such areas must inspire public confidence.

He commended some of the President’s recent policy directions, including promoting local production of military hardware, encouraging infrastructure growth, and ensuring that mineral resources are fully harnessed for national development.

The public finance expert further noted that effective governance at the state level was key to consolidating federal efforts, urging governors to prioritize spending on projects that directly impact citizens.

Nataro encouraged the President to make a clear statement on his zero tolerance for corruption and to listen to constructive criticism from public intellectuals and policy experts. He expressed optimism that a reshuffled cabinet, made up of competent and reform-minded appointees, would strengthen the administration’s performance and help sustain its credibility ahead of 2027.

On the debate around Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops, Nataro argued that Nigeria should embrace scientific innovation in agriculture to boost productivity, while ensuring appropriate safeguards.

He concluded by reiterating that cabinet renewal would position the administration to consolidate early economic gains and market Nigeria as a stable destination for global partnerships.