President Muhammadu Buhari has given reasons why he restructured some federal ministries, leading to merger of some and creation on new ones.
Speaking before the commencement of the first post-inauguration Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja on Wednesday, he said the move was to enhance the administration’s goal of diversification and and inclusive growth.
He also said he reappointed some ministers because that acquitted themselves well during their first appointment.
Buhari told the new cabinet members that the weekly meeting presented an opportunity for them to know their fellow ministers and exchange ideas with a goal of perfecting government’s stated policies which, he said, would positively impact on Nigerians.
President added: “In the recently concluded elections, the majority of Nigerians who voted for us gave us a clear mandate: (a) to enhance the security of lives and property across the entire country, (b) to create a diversified and inclusive economy that will bring prosperity to all, and (c) to instill governance and accountability in our systems and processes, thereby eliminating corruption.
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“Therefore, all ideas and projects that will contribute to achieving these goals shall be foremost in our deliberations.
“For returning ministers, my decision to appoint you is based on merit. During our first term, you executed your mandate diligently in a patriotic manner. I expect you all to double your efforts in this second term.
“To enhance service delivery, we decided to restructure some functions which led to the creation of new ministries to achieve our goal of economic diversification and inclusive growth.
“For example, we merged the Ministry of Finance with that of Budget and National Planning. We also created a Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development to fully institutionalized our various interventions that support some of the poorest and most distressed citizens of our country.
“Furthermore, we split the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and Ministry of Transportation and Aviation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our infrastructure delivery programmes and projects.
“On security, keeping in mind the need to improve on our achievements, we created the Ministry of Police Affairs with the purpose to oversee the development and implementation of strategies that will enhanced Nigeria’s internal security in synergy with other security and intelligence agencies. This will include supporting the re-establishment of civil authority in the liberated areas of the north east.
“We also created a new Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs. This ministry will manage key projects and initiatives of the presidency.
“The minister’s the role will include coordinating of multi-agencies and inter-ministry functions as designated by the President.
“I have instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to draft a schedule of ministerial responsibilities for my review and final approval.
“As I said during the recent retreat, we must work in harmony with each other. Communication and team work are the hallmarks of success.
“I will conclude by tasking you all to keep in mind the oath you took in this very room three weeks ago.
“As a government, our focus must remain that of selfless service. The safety, security and prosperity of Nigeria’s 200 million people are our responsibility. We must not fail them.”
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