Niger: Gov Bago directs six commissioners to oversee vacant ministries

Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has directed six commissioners to oversee additional ministries following the resignation of some cabinet members to contest the 2027 general elections.

The directive is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday in Minna.

According to the governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muazu Hamidu Jantabo, will oversee the Ministry of Rural Development.

Also, Alhaji Mustapha Ndajiwo, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, would supervise the Ministry of Special Duties.

Bago further stated that the Commissioner for Investment, Alhaji Aminu Suleman Takuma, has been assigned to oversee the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Jacob Baba Isa, is to supervise the Ministry of Sports Development.

The governor also directed the Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Katcha, to oversee the Ministry of Tertiary Education.

In the same vein, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, will supervise the Ministry of Arts and Culture.

Umaru-Bago urged the commissioners to view the additional responsibilities as an opportunity to enhance service delivery.

He expressed optimism that members of the State Executive Council would continue to work collaboratively to ensure seamless governance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had earlier directed all political appointees seeking elective positions to resign.

Six out of the 30 commissioners subsequently resigned to pursue elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NAN