Tinubu redefines priorities, goes tough on ministers’ performance

Determined to deliver the dividends of democracy, President Bola Tinubu has redefined the priorities of his administration.

He has placed premium on security for peace, food security, infrastructure, education, health, and social investment.

Ministers and heads of agencies have also submitted lists of deliverables and timelines which will be monitored monthly and quarterly.

In line with the new order, Desk Officers have received Key Performance Indicators (KPI) metrics to assess Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The list of the redefined goals was contained in a January 15, 2024 circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Those copied with the circular were the Clerk of the National Assembly; the Auditor-General of the Federation; the Accountant-General of the Federation; Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Directors-General and the Chief Executive Officers of parastatals, agencies and government-owned companies.

Titled “Redefining of the Presidential priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the memo stated that the benchmarks will keep ministers and directors on their toes.

“Further to the cabinet retreat for Ministers, Presidential aides, Permanent Secretaries and top government functionaries held from 1st – 3rd November, 2023, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has redefined the Priority Areas of his Administration as follows:

•Reform the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth

•Strengthen national security for peace and prosperity

•Boost agriculture to achieve food security

•Unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development

•Enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth

•Focus on education, health, and social investment as essential pillars of development

•Accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation

• Improve governance for effective service delivery,” the memo stated

“Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to ensure that their Policies, Programmes and Projects align with Mr. President’s Priority Areas in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the memo added.

A top source, who spoke , said it will no longer be business as usual for ministers and MDAs.

According to the highly-placed source, ministers and agencies have submitted deliverables which have been broken down to monthly and quarterly modules.

The source added: “With the deliverables, desk officers will now apply KPI Metrics to ascertain whether or not Ministries, Departments and Agencies are following their plans and goals.”

He said the fact is that ministers, heads of departments and agencies have to work round the clock to meet their targets.

“At the end of the day, the overall performance of a minister or head of any agency will be based on the KPI Metrics. The essence is to set goals, ensure good governance, fast-track development and make those in charge of any project or assignment be up to what they are doing. “

He said the President will take a final decision and determine those who are not performing, those underperforming and those abysmally weak.

He said Tinubu is interested only in optimal service delivery because Nigerians are awaiting accelerated changes in the economic outlook, security and social development.

Gbajabiamila: President focused on solving economic, security challenges

The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr.Femi Gbajabiamila, said yesterday that President Bola Tinubu is determined and fully committed to dealing with the myriad of socio-economic problems facing the country.

Gbajabiamila said it was for this reason that the President had to remove the fuel subsidy.

He said Nigeria and Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Gbajabiamila spoke to reporters moments after voting at Polling Unit 014, Ward 08, Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, Surulere, Lagos in the House of Representatives by-election for Surulere 1.

He said: “Mr President, who I talk to on a daily basis, has no other thing in his mind than how to address the issue of insecurity and economic hardship.

“He (Tinubu) has his gaze fixed on solving the problems. He met a lot on ground, we’ve had these issues for years, and I think we have somebody who would address those issues and address them well.”

Gbajabiamila represented Surulere 1 in the Green Chamber before becoming Speaker in 2019.