TD Abuja, FCT — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 26 new leadership appointments across 10 federal agencies and commissions.
The Presidency described the appointments as a decisive move to strengthen critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy, governance, and public service delivery.
Fayose to Head Rural Electrification Agency
The most eye-catching appointment is that of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, who has been named Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The REA plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy transition, focusing on off-grid power solutions such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and renewable energy projects designed to tackle chronic electricity shortages.
Nigeria’s rural communities, which make up a significant portion of the population, have long suffered from poor access to reliable power.
Analysts say Fayose’s appointment signals Tinubu’s intent to inject political weight and visibility into the REA’s mission of boosting rural economies and improving livelihoods.
Fayose will be joined by Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta as non-executive directors, while Abba Abubakar Aliyu continues as Director-General.
Other Key Appointments
The reshuffle cuts across diverse sectors, with appointments aimed at reinforcing fiscal discipline, energy management, housing, and education:
- National Salary and Wages Commission: Major General Junaid Bindawa becomes Chairman, with former lawmaker Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas as Secretary.
Commissioners include Dr. Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun (Oyo), and Yakubu Umar Barde (Kaduna).
Members include Dr. Mai Adamu Yau (Borno), Ginika Florence Tor (Enugu), Engineer Lawrence Okoh (Edo), and Bello Morenike Iyabode (Kogi).
- Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission: Tosin Johnson Adeyanju appointed Secretary, moving from the National Lottery Trust Fund.
- National Population Commission: Dr. Abuh Mohammed named Director-General, a role critical ahead of Nigeria’s next census.
- Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET): Dr. Akinola Odeyemi appointed Managing Director, tasked with stabilizing Nigeria’s electricity market.
- Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission: Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin becomes Chairman/CEO, overseeing nuclear energy research and regulation.
- National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Kwara: Engineer Julius Oloro appointed CEO, replacing the late Dr. A.R. Kamal.
- Fiscal Responsibility Commission: Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu was named Chairman.
Six new board members including Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Aliyu Makama, Dr. Suleiman Gidado, Louis O. Ndukwe, Amaechi Ugwele, and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola were appointed.
- National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education: Shuni Muhammad Dahiru appointed Executive Secretary, replacing Prof. Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu.
- Federal Housing Authority: Gisaor Vincent Iorja named Executive Director (Finance), bringing expertise in economics and law.
Implications for Governance
The Presidency confirmed that all appointments take immediate effect.
Observers note that the reshuffle reflects Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, aimed at energizing agencies central to Nigeria’s economic recovery, energy transition, and social development.
By placing seasoned politicians, technocrats, and professionals in key positions, Tinubu appears to be balancing political loyalty with technical expertise.
The appointments are expected to influence Nigeria’s power sector reforms, wage policy, population management, and housing development in the months ahead.
Analysts caution, however, that the success of these new appointees will depend on their ability to deliver tangible results in sectors long plagued by inefficiency, corruption, and underfunding.
