President Bola Tinubu officially welcomed seven new ministers into his administration on Monday, urging them to stay focused on their mandates despite inevitable criticism and scrutiny. The ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, comes as the Nigerian government seeks to stabilize its economy and manage its substantial debt.

The new ministers are taking on pivotal roles at a critical time. Among the appointees are Adamu Muhammed, who will lead the Ministry of Interior, and Dr. Miriam Abubakar, appointed as Minister of Health. During the swearing-in ceremony, Tinubu charged the ministers with a message of resilience. “You will be criticized, abused, and scrutinized,” he said. “But you must remain focused and serve Nigeria with unwavering dedication.”

A Focus on Economic Stability

The President’s speech underscored the administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s financial outlook, highlighting recent gains in the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio, which has reportedly dropped by 32% over the past 17 months. “This improvement is a testament to our ongoing reforms and prudent management,” Tinubu stated. He emphasized that these fiscal adjustments aim to create a more stable economic environment for future growth.

Nigerian economist Dr. Afolabi Adebayo weighed in on the issue, saying, “While the decrease in the debt service-to-revenue ratio is encouraging, we still have a long way to go. These new ministers have an opportunity to contribute to sustainable policies that could bring Nigeria closer to fiscal balance.” Adebayo’s comments echo the sentiments of many analysts who view the appointments as both timely and essential for addressing the nation’s financial challenges.

New Ministers Share Their Vision

Following the swearing-in, several ministers expressed their readiness to tackle Nigeria’s pressing issues. Adamu Muhammed, Minister of Interior, spoke on the importance of national security, promising “strategic reforms to protect Nigerians and foster a safer environment for growth.” Meanwhile, Dr. Miriam Abubakar highlighted the need for improvements in healthcare access, noting, “We must focus on a health system that serves all Nigerians equally. I am here to make that a reality.”

Minister of Agriculture, Bassey Edem, acknowledged the urgent need to bolster food security amidst rising inflation. “Our priority will be to empower farmers, expand agricultural production, and reduce the cost of food,” Edem said. His comments drew applause from agricultural advocates who have long advocated for more robust support for the sector.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency

During his address, President Tinubu also stressed the importance of accountability within government offices, encouraging the ministers to prioritize transparency in their duties. “Nigeria demands a government that is accountable to its people,” Tinubu said. “Our administration will not tolerate any actions that undermine the trust placed in us.”

Social advocate and founder of the Civic Coalition, Mr. Emeka Obi, praised Tinubu’s statement but urged the ministers to walk the talk. “Accountability isn’t just a word—it’s a commitment,” Obi remarked. “The Nigerian people deserve leaders who are not only transparent but are also ready to deliver on their promises.”

Public Reaction and Expectations

As the ceremony concluded, there was cautious optimism among citizens and political commentators. Former lawmaker Senator Grace Igbokwe commented on the need for unity among the cabinet, noting, “Nigeria is at a pivotal point, and the success of these ministers will depend on their ability to work together for the common good.” Public policy expert Dr. Amina Usman added, “It’s a promising start, but Nigerians will be watching closely to see how these leaders handle their responsibilities.”

The swearing-in of these new ministers represents a fresh chapter for Tinubu’s administration, which has faced considerable challenges since coming into office. With economic issues high on the agenda and the promise of accountability, Nigerians are hopeful that these new appointments will contribute positively to the nation’s development.