Kano and Abia cabinet reshuffle brings new faces and portfolio changes as Governors Yusuf and Otti aim to boost governance and service delivery.
Kano and Abia cabinet reshuffle exercises were carried out on Tuesday as Governors Abba Yusuf and Alex Otti introduced new appointments and effected strategic portfolio adjustments aimed at enhancing governance.
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In Kano, a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, described the moves as part of “ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across key ministries.”
According to the release, Haruna Dederi, who had served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Transport.
Meanwhile, Mustapha Nuruddeen Muhammad, formerly the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, was transferred to the Ministry of Environment.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, who had been overseeing Transport in acting capacity, was returned to his substantive post.
“All officials affected by the reassignments are to formally hand over to the most senior officer in the ministry,” the statement added, with the transition effective immediately as of Tuesday, 23 September 2025.
Governor Yusuf also called for maximum cooperation from both appointees and civil servants to ensure a smooth transition.
In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti reshuffled his executive cabinet and introduced three new officials, during a swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Umuahia.
Dr (Mrs) Salome Obiukwu was appointed Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Chiemela Uzoije became Commissioner for Housing, while Christian Enweremadu was named Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture.
Former Trade and Commerce Commissioner, Kingsley Nwokocha, was reassigned as Commissioner for Labour and Productivity.
Governor Otti also announced a significant administrative change: the Ministry of Lands and Housing has now been split into two separate portfolios for improved focus. Mr Chaka Chukwumerije was named the new Commissioner for Lands.
Describing the cabinet changes as a strategic move, the governor said the reshuffle aims to “periodically inject fresh ideas and broaden the scope of government performance.”
“This is a call to serve, not an invitation to a banquet,” Otti warned, adding that his government maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
He reminded the newly appointed officials that public trust must be earned and preserved, noting that his administration would not hesitate to act against anyone found wanting.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Mrs Obiukwu expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged that they would uphold integrity and work diligently to advance the state’s interests.
“We are humbled by the trust placed in us, and we will not fail the people,” she said.
The Kano and Abia cabinet reshuffle comes amid growing calls for greater administrative accountability and performance across Nigeria’s states.
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Observers say the moves may signal the start of deeper reforms ahead of mid-term assessments.
