UPDATED: Cost of Governance: I can’t reduce size of my cabinet – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu said on Monday that he would not reduce the size of his cabinet to reduce the cost of governance.

The president spoke during his first Presidential Media Chat.

He was asked if, as part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance, he would be willing to reduce the size of his cabinet.

“I am not ready…” the president said, defending the need to maintain over 40 ministers as well as several other advisers and assistants.

“I am not prepared to reduce the size of my cabinet. I saw the need when I put them together. Don’t give someone an assignment they cannot fulfill.

“Job descriptions must be efficient and effective. Nigeria is a large country. If you were to entertain over 200 million people, calculate how many stewards would be required. Let’s pay attention to efficiency; efficiency is the hallmark of a cabinet. I need them,” the president said.

When asked if he was satisfied with all the cabinet members, the president challenged the interviewers to name any cabinet member who was not up to standard.

Mr Tinubu’s decision to opt for a large cabinet has attracted significant criticism, particularly when there is strong sentiment towards a leaner government and calls for a reduction in the cost of governance.

For many Nigerians, the government’s policies, such as removing the petroleum subsidy and floating the naira, are causing economic hardship. However, the government has failed to reduce the cost of governance.

The president faces criticism for his bloated cabinet, which peaked at 48 members at one point. However, the president sacked and merged some ministries in October in a major cabinet reshuffle. Despite this, the size of the cabinet did not reduce, as the president dismissed five ministers but eventually appointed seven others.

Several instances of lavish spending by the administration have also drawn criticism. Notable among them are the purchase of a new presidential jet for the president, the expenditure of ₦21 billion on the construction of a new residence for the vice president, and the purchase of a presidential yacht.

Meanwhile, the president is also known for having a large convoy, often angering those who feel he is insensitive to the current economic realities.

During the interview, he expressed his desire to cut down the cost of governance. However, he did not specify any concrete steps that would be taken.