In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of Nigerian ministers and ensure the delivery of democracy dividends to the populace, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, has proposed the implementation of a reward system to promote excellence.
Nwosu, a former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Governor, has called on President Bola Tinubu to recognize and reward top-performing ministers in his administration.
During a media interaction in Abuja, Nwosu also recommended the removal of underperforming ministers.
While acknowledging that it is still early to fully evaluate the administration, which will mark its first year in office by May 29, 2024, Nwosu affirmed his belief that Tinubu is steering the nation in the right direction.
Specifically, Nwosu advocated for national honors to be bestowed upon ministers who excel in their duties.
He emphasized the importance of rewarding outstanding ministers, stating, “If I were the President, any minister who has performed exceptionally well should receive a national honor.”
Nwosu highlighted Tinubu’s commendable achievements across various sectors such as infrastructure, urban development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), finance, and solid minerals.
He remarked, “President Tinubu has made notable progress, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development in the FCT, financial stability leading to the appreciation of the Naira, and efforts to capitalize on the nation’s mineral resources. Additionally, strides have been made in refinery operations and completion of infrastructure projects in the FCT.”
Discussing the performance of specific ministries, Nwosu cited instances where notable advancements were observed. For instance, he lauded the Minister of Works for their hands-on approach in project monitoring, resulting in enhanced project quality.
Moreover, he commended the Ministry of Interior for streamlining passport issuance processes, significantly reducing the waiting time for applicants.
Highlighting the positive impact of the Ministry of Finance in stabilizing the exchange rate, Nwosu also praised the government’s decisive actions in the solid minerals sector to optimize resource utilization.
Conversely, Nwosu expressed concerns about certain ministries that have not met expectations. He called for a revamp of the Ministry of Youths to better cater to the needs of the youthful population, emphasizing its pivotal role in national development.
Similarly, Nwosu suggested improvements in the Ministry of Information to enhance communication of government activities and address public concerns effectively. He noted the importance of providing timely information to the public, especially during crises like the current fuel scarcity situation.
Critical of the electricity tariff hike, Nwosu urged a reversal of the 300% increment to support the sustainability of small and medium-scale enterprises.
Emphasizing accountability, Nwosu reiterated his stance that non-performing ministers should be relieved of their duties. He stressed the need for competent individuals to hold ministerial positions to uphold the government’s credibility and prevent undue criticism towards the President.