By DAYO ADESULU
Scrapping of Niger Delta Development and Sports Ministries
During a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, President Bola Tinubu announced significant changes to the structure of federal ministries in Nigeria, including the scrapping of the **Ministry of Niger Delta Development** and the **Ministry of Sports Development**. This restructuring is aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining government functions.
Key Changes in the Federal Ministries
1. Creation of the Ministry of Regional Development
The new Ministry of Regional Development will oversee all regional development commissions, including:
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
North West Development Commission
South West Development Commission
North East Development Commission
This consolidation is intended to provide a more coordinated approach to regional development efforts across the country.
2. National Sports Commission
The responsibilities of the former Ministry of Sports Development will now be managed by# President Tinubu Announces Scrapping of Niger Delta and Sports Ministries at FEC Meeting
New Ministry of Regional Development and National Sports Commission to Oversee Respective Functions
In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has announced the scrapping of the Ministries of Niger Delta Development and Sports during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. This decision was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Restructuring of Regional Development Oversight
According to the presidential aide, a new Ministry of Regional Development will be established to oversee all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, North-West Development Commission, South-West Development Commission, and North-East Development Commission.
Transition of Sports Functions
The National Sports Commission will now take over the responsibilities previously handled by the Ministry of Sports Development, effectively replacing the abolished ministry.
Merger of Tourism and Creative Economy Ministries
Additionally, the FEC approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, consolidating these related functions under a single entity.
Rationale Behind the Restructuring
The scrapping of the Niger Delta and Sports Ministries, as well as the reorganization of regional development oversight and the merger of tourism and creative economy, are part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to streamline government operations and enhance efficiency.
By consolidating regional development functions under a single ministry, the government aims to provide a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing the unique needs of various regions. Similarly, the transition of sports responsibilities to the National Sports Commission is expected to improve the management and promotion of sports activities in the country.
The merger of the Tourism and Culture/Creative Economy Ministries aligns with the administration’s focus on leveraging the country’s cultural and creative assets for economic development and diversification.
Implications and Next Steps
The announced changes will require the implementation of the necessary administrative and legislative processes to ensure a smooth transition and the effective operationalization of the new structures.
Stakeholders in the affected sectors, including regional development agencies, sports organizations, and the tourism/creative industry, will likely be closely engaged to ensure a seamless transition and the successful integration of the new frameworks.
Conclusion
The restructuring decisions made by President Tinubu and the FEC reflect the administration’s commitment to streamlining government operations, enhancing coordination, and aligning the institutional framework with the country’s development priorities. These changes are expected to contribute to more efficient and effective service delivery in the affected sectors.
