After nearly 60 days in office, President Tinubu finally submitted his long-awaited ministerial list to the Senate on July 27, 2023, just one day before the constitutional deadline.
The list, consisting of twenty-eight names, was presented to Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Notably, seven of the nominees (25%) are women.
The women in President Tinubu’s ministerial list are as follows:
Hannatu Musawa: A lawyer, newspaper columnist, and Deputy Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). She holds various postgraduate degrees, including law, marine affairs, and oil and gas law. Prior to her nomination, she served as Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Betta Edu: One of the youngest nominees at 36 years old, Dr. Betta Edu previously held prominent roles, including being the Cross River State Commissioner for Health and the national chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite: Former Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy in Imo State, and former General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc.
Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha: A ranking lawmaker representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State. She has held various positions in Abia State’s executive cabinet and is recognized as the most vibrant female legislator in Nigeria by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASSAN).
Stella Okotete: With degrees in International Studies and Diplomacy, as well as a Master’s in Public Administration, Peace Studies, and Conflict Resolution, Stella Okotete brings a wealth of knowledge to the ministerial list. She was the National Women’s Leader of the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).
Uju Kennedy Ohaneye: A businesswoman involved in real estate and education, she was the sole female presidential aspirant under the APC but stepped down for President Tinubu due to their close relationship.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: She has held various positions, including serving as special adviser on strategic communication to the Minister of State for Education and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
These seven accomplished women are among the nominees for President Tinubu’s ministerial team, bringing diverse backgrounds and expertise to his government.