How many ministers in Nigeria are there?
How many ministers in Nigeria are there? President Buhari recently released the Nigerian ministerial list 2019 and we cannot help but wonder about their names, positions, backgrounds and success stories.
Source: Twitter
Nigerian ministers deal with important decisions that determine Nigeria’s future every day. They are also a reflection of what the country can offer in terms of development in the country.
Ministers in Nigeria: who makes up this list?
Nigeria has thirty-six states in total and the new ministerial list under President Muhammadu Buhari has forty-three (43) members in total. Apart from actual ministers, there are Ministers of State who work to assist the ministers. This is so because each state has to be represented by at least one member.
These are all the ministers in Nigeria 2019 under President Buhari. It should be noted, however, that while some seats experienced changes others did not. One of the seats that did not experience changes was the seat of the Minister of Petroleum Resources. President Buhari kept this chair for himself. He has held this chair since 2015.
List of ministers in Nigeria
The ministerial list 2019 Nigeria has some old and new faces in it. While some ministers have held offices before, others are green in this field and many will be looking into them to see what they can accomplish in their given fields of work.
Here are all the men and women who make up the Nigeria ministerial list:
Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development - Uchechukwu Samson Ogah (Abia)
Uchechukwa was born on 22 December 1969 to Chief Wilson and Ezinne Pauline Ogah in Abia state. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from Ogun State University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos. He began his career as a banker with a year of National Youth Service year at NAL Bank Plc. and later joined All States Trust Bank. At Trust Bank, he worked for two years before joining Zenith Bank in 1997. He stayed at Zenith for 10 years before quitting and starting his businesses. Apart from his job as minister, he is also a Nigerian oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist
Source: Facebook
Minister of FCT - Muhammad Musa Bello (Adamawa)
He was born on 8th January 1959 in Adamawa state as Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello. He attended the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he graduated with a B.Sc. in Management with a major in Banking and Finance in 1980. Bello also has an MBA in the same field. Putting his degree and masters to work, he has been in charge of credit and marketing at the ICON Merchant Bank Plc. He was also a Director at Habib Bank Plc as well as other prestigious firms. He is an expert in banking, industry, business, and public service.
Source: Facebook
Before joining Buhari's cabinet, he worked as the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria [NAHCON] from 2007 until May 2015.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs - Godswill Obot Akpabio (Akwa Ibom)
Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio was born on 9 December 1962 in Ukana. He is married to Ekaette Akpabio. Before taking up his position as minister, he had had quite a political career. He was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and was the Senate's Minority Leader. He was also Governor of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria from May 2007 to May 2015. He is also a lawyer with a degree from the University of Calabar in Cross River State.
Source: Twitter
Minister of Labour and Employment - Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige (Anambra )
He was born in Alor, Idemili South on 8th July 1952. He is a physician by profession and graduated from the University of Nigeria-Nsukka in 1979. He worked in clinics until he became the Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Health. He resigned from this position in 1988 and joined politics.
He was the governor of the State of Anambra from 29th May 2003 to 17th March 2006 under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He is also among the founding fathers of this party. In 2011, he became the senator for the central constituency of Anambra. In 2015, he was elected as the Minister of Labour and Employment under Buhari.
Minister of State for the Environment - Sharon Ikeazu (Anambra)
She is a legal practitioner, politician, management consultant, philanthropist, and social activist. She received her Bachelor of Law (LL.B Hons.) from the University of Benin and Certificate of Practice from the Nigerian Law School in 1985. She has been a leader and spokesperson for women all over throughout her political career. For example, in 2011, she contested and won the position of National Women Leader of Congress for Progressive Change Party
Minister of Education - Adamu Adamu (Bauchi)
He studied at Ahmadu Bello University where he majored in Accounting. Upon his graduation, he joined CCP as an accountant, then CNL in Bauchi before joining the local government in the same position. He has also worked as a writer and publicist. He became a newspaper editor in 1984.
Source: Twitter
He has been a loyal supporter of President Buhari as before his recent appointment to cabinet, he worked as Secretary of Muhammadu Buhari’s Transition Committee.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment - Ambassador Mariam Katagum (Bauchi)
She was born on 18th November 1954 at Azare, Nigeria. She has an extensive educational background having obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English and a Graduate Certificate in Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1976.
She also has a Masters in Administration and Planning from the University of Lagos(1985) as well as a Certificate in Social Development Policy, Planning and Practice from the University College, London, in 1999.
She has worked for NGOs such as UNICEF and UNESCO as well as agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency, World Bank, UK Department for International Development (DFID), Commonwealth of Learning (COL), as well as national and international Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources- Timipre Sylvia (Bayelsa)
Born on 7th July 1964 in present-day Bayelsa State, he joined the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English Language/Linguistics. Career-wise, he worked for the National Minority Business Council in Port Harcourt. With his position as the Executive Secretary, he saw the creation of many employment opportunities.
Source: Twitter
He was one of the founding members of the United Nigeria Congress Party, UNCP. He later joined the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. He won the gubernatorial seat in Bayelsa State in 2007 and again in 2008
Minister of Special Duties and International Affairs - George Akume (Benue)
He was born on 27th December 1953. He attended the University of Ibadan where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree In Labour Relations. Before joining politics, he worked as a civil servant. After joining politics, he became the governor of Benue State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. This made him the first governor in this state to complete two terms. He has also represented Benue state as a Senator three times.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning – Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Kaduna)
She was born on 16th June 1960 in Kaduna State. She has an Accounting degree from Ahmud Bello University and a Masters from Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye. She worked in the Main Accounts Division of the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance from 1982 -1985.
She has worked for other companies such as the Nigerian Telecommunications Ltd (NITEL), Kaduna Industrial and Finance Co. Ltd (KIFC), National Coordinator of Nigeria EITI as well as the Nigeria EITI board among many others. She previously served as a Minister of State in this position.
Source: Facebook
Minister of Communications – Ali Isa Ibrahim Patami (Gombe)
He was born on 20 October 1972 to Hajiya Amina Umar Aliyu, his father was Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Pantam. Ibrahim studied Computer Science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Nigeria and graduated with a BTech in the 2003 session and an MSc in 2008. He later joined the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland where he pursued a Ph.D. He has worked as a lecturer and a Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Minister of Defence – Bashir Magashi (Kano)
Retired Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi holds a national award of CFR. He was the Governor of Sokoto State in Nigeria from August 1990 to January 1992 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. After democracy came back to Nigeria in 1999, he and other military officers were forced to retire. He is a lawyer by profession and worked as a legal advisor for All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP).
Minister of Environment – Mohammed Mahmoud (Kaduna)
The current Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is a former member of the Kaduna House of Assembly and Chairman of the Buhari Support Organisation. t.
Minister of State of Health – Adeleke Olurunnimbe Mamora (Lagos)
The Nigerian minister was born on 16th February 1953. He studied at the University of Ife where he graduated with a B.Sc in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). In 1990, he was the National Delegate for the National Republican Convention (NRC) and in 1998, he became the Secretary, Lagos East of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP). In 1999, he was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly and was appointed as Speaker.
Some of his notable works are sponsoring bills on Tenure of Office, Surgeon-General of Nigeria and repeal and amendment of the Tobacco Control Act. He has also co-sponsored motions including one to amend Senate rule 111 to bring it into conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Minister of Information and Culture – Lai Mohammed (Kwara)
He worked as a businessman and chairman in a few large Nigerian companies and has also worked as a Public Relations Officer for ten years. He also has a past in politics. He is among the Nigerian ministers that have been retained from the previous cabinet.
Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice – Abubakar Malami
This is not his first time on the Nigerian ministerial list. He has been the Minister of Justice of Nigeria, as well as Attorney-General, since 2015. He was born in 1967 and comes from Kebbi State. He studied Law and worked in different capacities, which included counseling and a magistrate position in his native state. He is also a Nigerian Senior Advocate.
Minister of Works and Housing – Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos)
The Nigerian minister was born in 1963 in Lagos State. He is a specialist in Law, a Senior Advocate and a former Governor of Lagos State. He has retained his position from the previous cabinet although the name has changed from 'Power, Works and Housing' to just 'Works and Housing.
Minister of Science and Technology – Ogbonnaya Onu
He was born on the 1st of December 1951, to the family of His Royal Highness, Late Eze David Aba Onu (Eze Adu of Uburu) in Ebonyi State. He has a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos. He pursued a Ph.D. in the same field at the University of California in Berkeley He was the first governor of Abia State.
During his eventful tenure as Governor, he emphasized the use of technology as an important instrument for national development. He pioneered the establishment of a Technology Village and introduced computers into selected public schools. He also introduced the Free Maternal Health Care Program to enable disadvantaged pregnant women to receive free healthcare services as a measure to reduce death during pregnancy and childbirth.
Minister of Police Affairs - Mohammed Maigari Dangyadi (Sokoto)
Separated from the Ministry of Interior, this is a new ministry altogether. Mohammed was born in 1953 on Sokoto State. After his secondary education, he went to the School of Basic Studies for a 2-year course. He later gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated in 1978. He represented Bodinga Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
Source: Twitter
Minister of Transportation – Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
He was born on 27th May 1965 in Rivers State to parents Elder Fidelis Amaechi and Mary Amaechi. In 1987, he graduated from the University of Port Harcourt with a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in English Studies and Literature. He was a speaker in Rivers State’s House of Assembly. He also was a state governor for another eight years.
Source: Twitter
Minister of Water Resources – Suleiman Hussein Adamu
The minister was born in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State in April 1963. He has a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also attended the University of Reading in the United Kingdom where he graduated with a Masters in Project Management in 2004.
He has over thirty years of professional experience in the field of engineering.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development – Pauline Tallen
Dame Pauline Kedem Tallen was born on 8th January 1959 in the Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. In 1982, at the University of Jos, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She later joined Harvard University USA for a Programme in Strategic Public Sector Negotiations.
In the years between 1994 to 1996, she served as Commissioner in the Ministry of Social Development, Youth, Sports and Culture, and Commissioner in the Ministry of Health, all in her Plateau State. She has gained multiple awards for her incredible work in education, women affairs, and community development.
Source: Twitter
Minister of Youth and Sports – Sunday Dare (Oyo)
Minister Sunday was born on 29 May 1966. He studied at the Ahmadu Bello University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in International Studies. He also has a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.
The minister has over 25 years of experience in the field of Journalism. In 2009, he became a senior special assistant (media)/chief of staff to the minister of Information and Communication. He is also a published author. His book, Guerrilla Journalism, can be found on Amazon.
Minister of Interior - Rauf Aregbesola (Osun)
Born on 25th May 1957, he is the 8th Governor of Osun State. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnic, Ibadan and graduated in 1980. In 2007, he ran for Governor of the state of Osun but lost to his opponent. He challenged the electoral results in court and three years later, in 2010, he was declared as the winner. In 2014, he was reinstated as the Governor of Osun for a 4-year tenure.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development - Sadiya Umar Faruk (Zamafara)
She was born on 5th November 1972. She attended the Ahmud Bello University where she graduated in 1980 with a BSc in Business Administration and later a Masters in the same field in 2011. She also has a Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.
In 2016, she was appointed as the Honourable Federal Commissioner of National Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Source: Twitter
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment - Richard Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti)
Born on 4th February 1958, he was the governor of Ekiti from May 1999 to May 2003 and was the first elected governor. He is also a lawyer having have studied Law at the University of Lagos and set up his law firm Adebayo, Adebayo & Co.
Minister of Agriculture - Sabo Nanono (Kano)
He was born on 11th April 1946 in the Tofai-Zakirai District of Kano State. He has two wives and eight children. He attended the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated with a B.Sc Business Administration degree. He also attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA and attained a Masters in Public Policy & Administration (Development Economics).
Source: Twitter
Minister of Aviation - Hadi Sirika (Katsina)
He is a former pilot and is a member of the Senate Committee on Aviation.
Minister of Mines and Steel Development - Olamilekan Adegbite (Ogun)
While not much is known about his private life, many have said that he holds the key to driving the renewal of the Nigerian mining sector.
Minister of State Agriculture & Rural Development - Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno)
He was born on 4th July 1961. He attended the University of Maiduguri and graduated with a BSc in Sociology and Anthropology.
Minister of State Power - Godwin Jedy Agba (Cross River)
He was born on 20th August 1958 and is the former Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). He also studied at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira where he graduated with a degree in International Studies. He also has a Masters from the University of Lagos in International Law and Diplomacy.
Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs - Festus Keyamo (Delta)
He was born on 21st January 1970 and is a lawyer by profession. He studied Law at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in Edo State and was admitted to the bar in 1993. Keeping up with his legal career, he is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), social crusader, critic, columnist, and human rights activist.
He has even taken the Federal Government of Nigeria to court over illegal appointments of service chiefs. In 2017, he received the Global Human Rights Award by the United States Global Leadership Council. He received this award for his efforts in the protection and promotion of human rights and the crusade for accountable governments in Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
Minister of State Finance, Budget & National Planning - Clement Anade Agba (Edo)
The Nigerian minister is the former Commissioner for Environment and Public Utility, Edo. He also briefly served as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Housing. He attended the Bendel State University, (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma) and graduated with a B.Sc Economics degree in 1985. He also has two Masters degrees, one from the University of Benin in Business Administration (Management) and another from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, where he specialized in Supply Chain Management.
Minister of State Education - Emeka Nwajiuba (Imo)
He was born on 20th August 1967 and is a lawyer by profession. He graduated from the University of Lagos and also has a Ph.D. from the University of Jos. He served as House of Representatives committee chairman on Land, Housing and Works from 1999 to 2003. He contested for Imo State governorship on the APP party in 2003 and 2007. In 2011, he contested for the same seat under the CPC party flag.
Minister of State FCT - Ramatu Tijani (Kogi)
She was born on 12th June 1970 in Wuse, Abuja. She attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where she graduated with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Ramatu also has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi
She has worked as a Managing Director for AZAH intermediaries Nigeria Limited and as a Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Youth and Social Development to the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council.
Source: Twitter
Minister of State Transportation - Gbemisola Ruqayyak Saraki (Kwara)
She was born on 3rd May 1965. Saraki has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Sussex. She served as the senator of the state of Kwara from 2003 to 2011. She tried to get the gubernatorial seat in the same state in 2011 but she lost to her opponent Abdul Fatah Ahmed.
Minister of State Health - Osagie Ehanire (Edo)
He was born on 4th November 1946. In 2019, he got promoted to the Nigerian ministers list. He was previously the minister of State Health, a position that is now held by Mamora. He is a doctor/surgeon by profession, having graduated from the University of Munich. He also has a post-graduate degree in Anaesthetics as well as a certificate in General Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery. He has an extensive resume as an anesthesiologist, vascular surgeon and resident general surgeon in thoracic surgery.
Minister of State for Science and Technology - Mohammed H. Abdullahi (Nasarawa)
He is the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Nasarawa State Government and an advocate by profession.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs - Zubairu Dada (Niger)
Ambassador Zubairu Dada was born on 28th March 1952 in Minna, Niger State. He is a graduate of English/French; double honours from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1974 and also holds a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos in 1990. He was the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Poland from 1999 to 2003 and Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique with concurrent accreditation to the Republics of Madagascar and Mauritius from 2004 to 2007.
Source: Twitter
Minister of State for Labour and Employment - Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo)
He was born on 12th August 1949. He is an accountant by profession having qualified and obtained the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) of England Certificate as well as that of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 1974. In 2002, he was the Managing Partner at Balogon Badejo and co., an audit firm where he had begun working as a clerk.
He won the senatorial seat of Ondo State in 2015.
Minister of State, Works and Housing - Abubakar D Aliyu (Yobe)
He was born on 17th May 1962. Aliyu graduated with a B. Eng. degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1983. He later enrolled for an M.Sc. program in Structural Engineering and a Certificate in System Analysis and Design and successfully obtained the certificate in 1985 and the Master's degree in 1987.
Source: Twitter
The ministerial list 2019 Nigeria has 43 people in it. Out of the 43, only seven are women. We hope that the above ministerial list gives you an insight into how many Nigerian ministers there are in President Buhari's term, their qualifications and portfolios.
Source: Legit.ng
