JUST IN : Tinubu swears in 2 ministers, convenes first FEC meeting in months

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Dr Bernard Doro and Dr Kingsley Udeh as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), officially inducting them into his cabinet.

The oath-taking ceremony, which began at 1:52 p.m., was held inside the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, moments before the first FEC meeting since July 2025 commenced.

With their inauguration, Plateau and Enugu states have regained cabinet representation after several weeks without ministers.

Dr Bernard Doro — a UK-trained clinical expert and public health administrator — was nominated by the President on October 21 to replace Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who left the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction upon becoming the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress on July 31, 2025.

A native of Kwall in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro brings over 20 years of combined experience in medicine, pharmacy, and digital health innovation. According to the Presidency, he holds degrees in Pharmacy, Law, and Advanced Clinical Practice, and has worked extensively with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.

Dr Kingsley Udeh, who served as Enugu State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice until his nomination, takes over from Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned on October 7, 2025, amid controversy regarding his academic credentials at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Udeh, recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was nominated by President Tinubu on November 4 and promptly confirmed by the Senate.

Their induction brings the total number of ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet to 48.

After the ceremony, the President presided over the FEC meeting. Before it went into a closed session, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, briefed the council on the country’s recent economic gains.

He reported that Nigeria’s re-entry into the international capital market had been met with strong investor enthusiasm, as the $2.35 billion Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 453 per cent, attracting $13 billion in bids.

“The next phase of reforms will remove barriers holding back investors. We will review tariffs and import restrictions to stimulate productivity and investment,” he stated.

Edun also said the government is conducting a comprehensive assessment of both federal and federation accounts to enhance asset management for inclusive growth.

“We are improving fiscal reporting and budget realism, tightening expenditure frameworks and ensuring reforms gains are made available to all Nigerians,” he added.

In his remarks, President Tinubu welcomed the economic outlook, affirming that despite political challenges, Nigeria continues to strengthen its global partnerships and economic confidence.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism and ensuring a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.