Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. The only presentations for the day was made by the Subject Experts on, West Africa and Gulf of Guinea.
The presentation was made by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa And Gulf Of Guinea, his presentation Centred on how, Mahama’s Second Shot – Better Cabinet or Business as Usual. The African Report, on 25 Feb 2025, reported that Ghana President John Mahama’s return to power has been accompanied by a wave of ministerial and state-owned enterprise appointments that reflect a calculated blend of seasoned political figures and youthful professionals. Mahama’s cabinet choices have reignited debates about governance effectiveness and political loyalty. His 19-member cabinet (17 men and two women) features several stalwarts from his 2012-2017 government, including finance minister Cassiel Ato Forson, interior minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka and defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. Seven critical ministries – finance, interior, defence, foreign affairs, justice, energy and trade – are headed by officials with prior experience in either Mahama’s first administration or past National Democratic Congress (NDC) governments.
One significant strength of the current ministerial appointments is their strong academic background. Every appointee has at least a bachelor’s degree, with 12 holding master’s degrees, five earning PhDs and one being a medical doctor. According to Naidoo, the presence of technocrats in critical ministries such as energy, finance and justice indicates a preference for expertise over political considerations. He said while academic qualifications alone do not ensure effective governance, this emphasis on professional competence could enhance policy execution and decision-making.
However, his government also includes younger figures like Samuel Nartey George for communications and digital technology and Joseph Bukari Nikpe in transport. Governance expert Frederick Oduro observed that “Having young professionals in charge of key institutions isn’t necessarily a drawback. The real challenge lies in ensuring there are effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track their progress. Without these, even the most competent officials will struggle to deliver results”. Critics argue that Mahama’s appointments, particularly within state-owned enterprises, largely favour individuals who remained loyal to him during his opposition years. While political patronage is not uncommon in Ghana’s governance, it raises questions about meritocracy in public administration.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) noted that, A cabinet in governing, is a group of people with the constitutional or legal task to rule a country or state, or advise a head of state, usually from the executive branch. Their members are known as ministers and secretaries and they are often appointed by either heads of state or government. Cabinets are typically the body responsible for the day-to-day management of the government and response to sudden events (Wikipedia 1/03/25). President Bola Tinubu assumed office as President of Nigeria on 29 May 2023. His cabinet consists of 52 members, including ministers and ministers of state. The breakdown of the cabinet based on age, gender, and experience is as follows:
Age Distribution – 10 members are younger than 50, including Hannatu Musawa (Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy), Uche Nnaji (Minister of Innovation Science and Technology), and Ayodele Olawande (Minister of Youth). 20 members are between 50-60 years old, including Adebayo Olawale Edun (Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy), Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy).22 members are above 60 years old, including Bola Tinubu (President and Minister of Petroleum Resources) and George Akume (Secretary to the Government of the Federation).Gender Distribution. The cabinet has 25 female members, including Hannatu Musawa (Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy), Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Minister of State, Labour and Employment.
There are 27 male members, including Adebayo Olawale Edun (Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy), Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy). Experience Distribution. The cabinet members have diverse experience profiles:- Politicians: 30 members, including Bola Tinubu (President and Minister of Petroleum Resources) and Adebayo Olawale Edun (Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy) Technocrats: 10 members, including Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy), Uche Nnaji (Minister of Innovation Science and Technology), and Ali Pate (Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare).Former Civil Servants: 5 members, including George Akume (Secretary to the Government of the Federation).According to a recent editorial by the Financial Times. President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s economy are being undermined by a cabinet filled with individuals lacking the necessary expertise.
He recommended that, the President should appoint individuals to his cabinet based on their professional qualifications and ability to drive economic reform and also the President should appoint individuals who are passionate, visionary leaders with proven trac records across all sectors.
