Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has spearheaded a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle and revamped the configuration of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state, aimed at streamlining operations and optimizing resources.
Marking a pivotal moment, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., confirmed the governor’s decisive action during the Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Wednesday. The reshuffle and rationalization were deemed vital in response to dwindling revenue from the Federation Account, necessitating a recalibration of the government’s structural framework.
Detailing the reform measures, Ogie highlighted the consolidation of ministries, the reallocation of Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries, and the establishment of new specialized offices to better align with evolving priorities.
He said,
“The Federation Account’s diminishing accruals are the reason behind the MDAs’ rationalization, as the current government structure is no longer able to be maintained.”
Regarding the cabinet reorganization, Chris Nehikhare will now lead the Ministry of Communication and Orientation, while Andrew Emwanta has been transferred from the Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs to the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
“A Commissioner named Osasere Malachi Evbuomwan will lead a new Office of Special Duties.”
“Osagie A. Peter, who was transferred from the Ministry of Housing to the Ministry of Youths and Gender Issues, and Felicia Edwards, who is now at the Ministry of Public Security and Safety, are among the impacted Permanent Secretaries.
“Efe Iserhienrhien of the previous Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is now in the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, while Edionwe Joel, formerly of the Ministry of Public Security and Safety, is now in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.
“Barbara Nekpen Aluyi Osobajo of the former Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues is now in the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development.
“Abieyuwa Naps from the Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives is now in the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science, and Technology, while Ifueko Alufohai from the old Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs is now in the Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs.
Gilbert Egwakhide was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Special Duties, while Washington Abbe was transferred from the Ministry of Transportation to the Local Government Pensions Bureau.
“Okodugha Birgitta has been transferred to the Edo State Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) from the previous Ministry of Science and Technology.
“The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning have combined to become the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economic Planning, and Development under the new arrangement.
“The old Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues is now the Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, while the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs is now the Ministry of Youth and Gender Issues.
The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Mining, Oil, and Gas have combined to form the Ministry of Mining and Energy, while the Ministry of Science and Technology is now the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science, and Technology. It is now the Ministry of Business, Trade, and Cooperatives instead of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
“The Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development was formed by the merger of the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development.
“The Ministry of Community and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government have combined to form the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs,”
Among the notable changes, Andrew Emwanta transitions to the Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, while Chris Nehikhare assumes leadership at the Ministry of Communication and Orientation. The introduction of the Office of Special Duties under Commissioner Osasere Malachi Evbuomwan signifies a strategic move towards operational efficiency.
The reassignment of Permanent Secretaries reflects a dynamic shift in roles, with key officials taking on new responsibilities tailored to foster synergy and effectiveness across diverse sectors.
The government realigned ministries to enhance focus and facilitate coordinated efforts in critical areas such as finance, youth empowerment, social development, and technology innovation. Consolidation of ministries like Finance and Budget, Energy and Mining, as well as the reshaping of Housing and Planning portfolios echo the government’s commitment to a more agile and responsive administrative structure.
