President Buhari confirms plans on the reduction of ministries

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday confirmed reports for the first time that he really intends to reduce the number of ministries in the country.

There have been media reports that the President’s transition committee, led by Ahmed Joda, had recommended a drastic reduction in the number of ministries.

That plan is said to be one of the reasons behind the delay in the formation of his cabinet.

President Buhari confirmed the plan at a meeting he had with members of the Nigerian community in Benin Republic on Saturday evening.

He was responding to a request for the creation of two more Nigerian consulates in Benin Republic.

He said despite the planned reduction, however, he would direct the Nigerian ambassador to make the request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President said, “I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included.

“Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in diaspora must be considered. This is because we are so many.

“We are aggressive, whether in business or other facets of life. So, we as a government will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are.”

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