President Bola Tinubu has embarked on a fresh overhaul of Nigeria’s public institutions, approving the appointment of 26 individuals into the boards and management of 10 federal government agencies and commissions in what analysts describe as a move aimed at strengthening governance, accelerating reforms, and repositioning critical sectors of the economy.
The appointments, announced on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, take immediate effect and span strategic sectors including electricity, fiscal management, population planning, agriculture, housing, education, nuclear energy, and public sector remuneration.
Among the most notable appointments is former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, who was named Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), placing him at the helm of one of the government’s most important institutions driving electricity access across rural communities.
His appointment has generated widespread attention given his extensive political career and the central role the REA plays in implementing the Federal Government’s rural electrification and renewable energy programmes.
As chairman, Fayose will oversee the agency’s board alongside the Director-General, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and other executive and non-executive members responsible for shaping policies aimed at expanding electricity access to underserved communities.
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Broad Changes Across Strategic Institutions
Beyond the REA, the President approved appointments across several agencies responsible for economic planning, revenue management, infrastructure, education and national development.
Retired Major General Junaid Bindawa was appointed Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the body responsible for advising the government on public sector salaries and wage policies.
Former Lagos State lawmaker Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas was appointed Secretary of the commission, while additional commissioners representing various states and geopolitical interests were also named.
In another significant move, Tosin Johnson Adeyanju was redeployed from the National Lottery Trust Fund to serve as Secretary of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), one of the country’s most influential fiscal institutions responsible for revenue allocation among the three tiers of government.
Focus on Energy and Economic Reforms
The latest appointments underscore the Tinubu administration’s continued emphasis on reforming Nigeria’s energy sector.
Dr. Akinola Odeyemi was appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), a key institution responsible for managing electricity purchase agreements and supporting the country’s power market.
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Similarly, Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, an agency expected to play an increasingly important role as Nigeria explores alternative energy sources to diversify its electricity mix.
Observers note that strengthening leadership in energy-related agencies aligns with the administration’s broader economic agenda of improving power supply, attracting investment, and boosting industrial productivity.
Population, Agriculture and Housing Receive New Leadership
The National Population Commission (NPC), which is expected to oversee future demographic planning and population data management, will now be headed by Dr. Abuh Mohammed as Director-General.
In the agricultural sector, Engineer Julius Oloro was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, succeeding the late Dr. A. R. Kamal.
The appointment comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to improve mechanised farming and enhance food security across the country.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu will chair the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, supported by six newly appointed board members expected to strengthen fiscal discipline and public financial accountability.
Education and Housing Agencies Also Restructured
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Shuni Muhammad Dahiru as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.
He replaces Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, who was recently reassigned to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF).
Within the housing sector, Gisaor Vincent Iorja was appointed Executive Director (Finance) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), replacing Mathias Byuan, who resigned to pursue his governorship ambition in Benue State.
A Wider Governance Strategy
Political analysts believe the appointments reflect the administration’s continuing effort to reposition federal institutions by combining experienced politicians, technocrats, retired military officers and career administrators in leadership positions.
According to governance experts, appointments to boards and executive management are critical because they determine policy direction, institutional oversight and implementation of government programmes.
Public policy analyst Jide Ojo said appointments of this nature are expected to improve institutional effectiveness if competence and accountability remain the guiding principles.
“Leadership appointments significantly influence how agencies perform. Ultimately, Nigerians will judge these appointments by the quality of service delivery and the results these institutions produce.”
Similarly, economist Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), has consistently maintained that strong leadership in strategic agencies is essential for sustaining economic reforms and restoring investor confidence.
Immediate Implementation
According to the Presidency, all the appointments take effect immediately, with the new appointees expected to assume their responsibilities without delay.
The appointments form part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance across federal institutions as his administration continues implementing reforms aimed at improving public service delivery, enhancing fiscal management, expanding energy access and driving economic growth.