Why I Won’t Reduce My Cabinet Size — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has defended the size of his cabinet, which comprises 48 ministers and several Special Advisers, asserting that it is necessary for effective governance and service delivery in a nation as vast and diverse as Nigeria.

Speaking during his first Presidential Media Chat at his Bourdillon Street residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday night, Tinubu declared, “I am not ready to shrink the size of my cabinet.”

Justification for a Large Cabinet

The President explained that the size of the cabinet reflects the specific needs of the nation and the portfolios created to address them.

“I saw the need for them when I created the portfolios,” he said. “Nigeria is a large country. If you are to entertain over 200 million persons, calculate how many stewards will be required.”

Tinubu argued that the size of the team is vital for effectively managing the country’s diverse challenges and ensuring that governance reaches every corner of the nation.

A Commitment to Efficiency

Reiterating his commitment to service delivery, Tinubu affirmed that his decision was driven by the demands of the nation’s governance structure and the necessity to have a broad range of expertise and representation.

The President’s stance reflects his belief in a hands-on approach to governance, where each team member plays a pivotal role in addressing the country’s multifaceted challenges.

Despite criticisms of the size of the cabinet, Tinubu maintained that his approach was deliberate and essential for meeting Nigeria’s complex and extensive needs.