Nigeria’s civil society organizations have expressed strong dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, particularly regarding the apparent lack of female representation in critical ministries.
The Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria criticized the appointments of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Tanko Sununu as heads of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, describing it as a “total aberration” that undermines gender equity.
At a press conference at Arewa House in Kaduna, national coordinator Comrade Aminu Abbas Arabi expressed concern over the lack of experience in humanitarian work among the newly appointed male ministers.
He argued that women are inherently better suited to handle the sensitive nature of the ministry, citing past failures of male-led administrations in similar roles.
The coalition called on President Tinubu to reassess his appointments, advocating for increased female representation, especially in key positions that directly address poverty and humanitarian issues.
They also appealed to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to leverage her influence to promote women’s empowerment and employment opportunities.
The coalition insists that at least one ministerial position should be occupied by a woman, asserting that women generally exhibit a greater commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the less privileged.
“It is our firm conviction and position that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is designed to be administered by a woman for effective service delivery.
“Granted that the last two women appointed to head the Ministry did not deliver as expected, is not enough reason to deny other qualified, dedicated and competent women of opportunity to contribute their quota to nation building.
“The failure of Sadia Umar Farouk and Dr Beta Edu should not be a bane to Nigerian women.
“It is unacceptable that both the senior and junior ministers in the Ministry should be male.
“We appeal to Mr. President to kindly reconsider replacing one of the ministers with a woman who we believe will pay more attention to the plight of the less privileged and downtrodden as it is typical of all women.
“We, therefore, patriotically call on Mr. President to reconsider his choice of appointees for the ministry for the sake of Nigerians. A cabinet reshuffle and reassignment of portfolios to the ministers involved will not be a bad idea”, they said.