Hadiza Bala Usman: Tinubu will drop non-performing ministers

Hadiza Bala Usman, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy and coordination, says her principal will “drop” ministers who do not perform up to expectations.

Usman spoke on Wednesday at the opening of a technical retreat for delivery desk officers of federal ministries on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

The presidential aide, who is the head of the central coordinating and delivery unit (CDCU), said Tinubu is serious about delivering on his promises to Nigerians.

She said the desk officers would track the progress of the ministers and report their challenges.

“We must understand that the president is very serious about his promises and that ministers will be assessed, and ministers will be dropped if they don’t perform,” Usman said.

“You must understand that as ministerial delivery desk officers you are the engine room that will provide that feedback and constantly track ministerial progress and report challenges and bottlenecks to the CDCU.”

“As I was saying at the ministry of aviation recently, we will be assessing FAAN on customer experience at the airports; are the escalators, lifts, and conveyor belts functional? How swift is security clearance both for passengers and vehicles in accessing the airport?

“What are the consequences of delayed time of departure for airlines? These are things that everybody can feel and see.

“When we are talking about agriculture, we want to see our index of fertilizer use per hectare grow in view of the attendant investment that has been made in fertilizer interventions.”

On his part, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said the “renewed hope agenda” is encompassing and much more than economic growth.

“It is also about building a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians. It is about creating jobs, improving education and health, and reducing poverty, “Akume, represented by Olusegun Adekunle, a permanent secretary, said.

“It is about ensuring that all Nigerians have the opportunity to succeed.”