On Monday, December 23, President Bola Tinubu defended his decision to maintain a 48-member cabinet, rejecting claims that it was “bloated” and stressing that his focus was on effective governance.
In a media briefing at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu asserted, “I am not inclined to reduce the size of my cabinet.” He emphasized that “efficiency” was the guiding principle behind his ministerial appointments, suggesting that the cabinet’s size is well-suited to fulfill the administration’s objectives and priorities.
The president also addressed the contentious issue of the petrol subsidy removal, a significant move he made shortly after assuming office in May 2023.
“I have no regrets whatsoever about eliminating the petrol subsidy,” Tinubu affirmed. “We were only fooling ourselves; that reform was essential.” He further explained that Nigeria could no longer afford to act as “Father Christmas,” subsidizing fuel for neighboring nations at the expense of its own citizens.
Tinubu’s remarks come amidst increasing public debate over the structure and decisions of his administration, highlighting his resolve to stay committed to his policy choices despite ongoing criticism.
