New ministers for Plateau and Enugu join cabinet as President reaffirms economic reforms and investor confidence at resumed Federal Executive Council session.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, administered the oath of office to Dr. Bernard Doro and Dr. Kingsley Udeh, officially inducting them into the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during a ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. The event, which took place at exactly 1:52 p.m., preceded the first FEC meeting since July 2025, marking the President’s return to the policy table with renewed vigour and strategic direction.
The swearing-in of the two new ministers restores federal cabinet representation for Plateau and Enugu States, both of which had been without ministerial presence in recent weeks.
Dr. Bernard Doro, a UK-trained clinical practitioner, pharmacist, and public health administrator, was nominated by the President on October 21, 2025, to replace Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who vacated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction after his emergence as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 31.
Hailing from Kwall in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro brings over two decades of multidisciplinary expertise spanning clinical medicine, pharmaceutical management, and IT-driven health systems strategy. According to the Presidency, he holds multiple degrees in Pharmacy, Law, and Advanced Clinical Practice, and has served extensively within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, where he distinguished himself as an advocate of data-based health policy reform.
Joining him in the cabinet is Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who until his appointment served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State. Udeh replaces Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who resigned on October 7, 2025, following controversies surrounding his academic records at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Udeh was nominated by the President on November 4 and was promptly confirmed by the Senate.
With their induction, President Tinubu’s cabinet now stands at 48 ministers, reflecting the administration’s commitment to broad-based inclusion and strategic governance representation.
Shortly after the ceremony, the President presided over the Federal Executive Council meeting, the first since July 31. Before the session went into a closed-door deliberation, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, briefed the council on the country’s recent financial milestones, notably Nigeria’s successful return to the international capital market.
Edun revealed that the $2.35 billion Eurobond recently issued by Nigeria had been oversubscribed by an impressive 453 percent, attracting about $13 billion in investor orders. He described the outcome as a strong indicator of renewed investor confidence in the nation’s economic reforms and fiscal policies.
According to him, “The next phase of reforms will remove barriers holding back investors. We will review tariffs and import restrictions to stimulate productivity and investment.” He added that the federal government is currently undertaking a detailed review of the Federation and federal balance sheets to enhance asset management for inclusive economic growth.
Edun further stated that the administration is focused on improving fiscal transparency, ensuring budgetary discipline, and tightening expenditure frameworks to ensure that reform gains translate into tangible benefits for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu, while responding to the briefing, commended the Ministry of Finance and other key economic agencies for their efforts in stabilising the economy. He noted that despite prevailing political headwinds and global uncertainties, Nigeria continues to build confidence among international partners, deepen diplomatic engagement, and strengthen its position as Africa’s leading investment destination.
“The task before us remains the same — to defeat terrorism, ensure peace, and build an inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria,” Tinubu declared, reaffirming his administration’s determination to drive reforms that improve citizens’ welfare and advance sustainable development.
The meeting later entered a closed session where the President and his cabinet were expected to deliberate on key national issues, including economic diversification, security strategy, and the implementation of social welfare programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and fostering growth across all sectors.
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