President Bola Tinubu dismissed five ministers on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
The decision, announced in a statement by the presidency following the Federal Executive Council meeting, represents a strategic shift within Tinubu’s administration.
Since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, ministerial dismissals have regularly marked changing political priorities, as well as responses to scandals and public dissatisfaction. From Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency through those of Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and now Bola Tinubu, ministerial exits—whether abrupt dismissals or quiet resignations—have shaped the nation’s political landscape.
Compiled by The Nation, here is a list of notable ministerial dismissals since 1999:
Barth Nnaji – Minister of Power, resigned in 2012 amid allegations related to the bidding process for the Afam Power Plant sale.
Michael Aondoakaa – Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, removed in 2010 under controversial circumstances by then-acting President Goodluck Jonathan.
Fabian Osuji – Minister of Education, dismissed in March 2005 over corruption allegations involving bribery to the National Assembly.
Stella Oduah – Minister of Aviation, sacked in February 2014 due to corruption scandals involving luxury vehicle purchases.
Prof. Adenike Grange – Minister of Health, resigned in 2008 amid a N300 million fraud scandal.
Sabo Nanono – Minister of Agriculture, dismissed on September 1, 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari during a cabinet reshuffle.
Saleh Mamman – Minister of Power, dismissed alongside Nanono in a September 2021 cabinet reshuffle.
Caleb Olubolade – Minister of Police Affairs, removed in 2014 to pursue gubernatorial ambitions in Ekiti State.
Godsday Orubebe – Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, sacked in 2015 to run for Delta State governorship.
Yerima Ngama – Minister of State for Finance, dismissed in 2014 following his announcement of gubernatorial ambitions in Yobe State.
Shamsudeen Usman – Former Minister of National Planning, removed during a cabinet reshuffle in 2014.
Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai – Minister of Education, dismissed in 2013 amid unresolved academic union strikes.
Amal Iyingiala Pepple – Minister of Housing, dismissed in September 2013 during a cabinet overhaul by President Jonathan.
Bukar Tijani – Sacked in September 2013 after serving as a minister since July 2011.
Olusola Obada – Minister of State for Defence, removed during a major reshuffle in September 2013.
Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi – Minister of State for Power and Niger Delta Affairs, dismissed inadvertently during a cabinet meeting in September 2013.
Betta Edu – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, suspended amid alleged money laundering accusations. Criticized after a leaked memo showed her authorizing a transfer of N585 million to a private account. Edu claimed due process was followed.
Uju Kennedy – Minister for Women Affairs under President Bola Tinubu, dismissed in the cabinet shakeup on October 23, 2024.
Lola Ade-John – Minister for Tourism, dismissed in Tinubu’s major cabinet shakeup on October 23, 2024.
Tahir Mamman – Minister for Education, also dismissed as part of the October 23 shakeup to improve government operations.
Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo – Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, dismissed in the October 23 cabinet shakeup.
Jamila Bio Ibrahim – Minister of Youth Development, also recently dismissed in the October 23 cabinet reshuffle.