*Muttaqha Darma to replace Ahmed Musa Dangiwa as Housing Minister
By Abiodun Folarin
In a sweeping and unexpected move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, appointing Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of Finance.
In a statement on Tuesday, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, said President Tinubu approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the Federal Executive Council.
“According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the two ministers are to leave the cabinet, with their replacements already named.
“Edun, until the latest development, served as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Oyedele, who will now take over the portfolio. Oyedele was previously Minister of State in the ministry.
Also, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named ministerial nominee and Minister-designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry. It stated that “all handing-over and taking-over processes should be completed on or before the close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.”
Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion and synergy in governance, as well as ensuring more impactful economic delivery to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that the President, in approving the reshuffle, exercised his powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours. He also assured cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
