President Bola Tinubu has stated that he does not intend to reduce the size of his cabinet, despite concerns about the cost of governance in Nigeria. During his first Presidential Media Chat on December 23, 2024, Tinubu emphasized that the current cabinet structure is essential for effectively managing the country’s large population and complex challenges.
Tinubu explained that efficiency and effectiveness were the guiding principles behind assembling his team, which includes over 40 ministers and various advisers. He argued that a substantial cabinet is necessary to address the diverse needs of Nigeria’s more than 200 million citizens.
In response to suggestions for downsizing to cut governance costs, the President stated, “I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet. They have their job descriptions. If you have to entertain 200 million people, calculate how many stewards you will require. Let us pay attention to efficiency.”
This stance comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis and high inflation rates. Critics have called for a leaner government structure to reduce expenses, but Tinubu maintains that a comprehensive cabinet is vital for implementing his administration’s policies and reforms.
Despite the President’s position, discussions about the cost of governance and cabinet size continue among policymakers and the public, reflecting the broader debate on balancing administrative efficiency with fiscal responsibility in Nigeria.
