Commentary calls for stronger performance from Nigerian ministers

A Punch commentary has called for greater accountability and initiative from Nigerian ministers, arguing that cabinet members must produce results within their portfolios rather than leaving responsibility entirely at the president’s table. The article begins with Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake’s reported agreement with the United States on cooperation in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The framework is described as covering geological data, exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure and technical capacity.

The writer praises Alake’s work but asks whether the agreement is based on an existing blueprint for the sector and whether its implementation will remain within that framework. The commentary says ministers should demonstrate the value of their appointments through concrete progress. It argues that although the president has ultimate responsibility for government, ministers exist to exercise delegated authority across ministries, departments and agencies.

In the writer’s view, a president cannot personally supervise every task or respond by dismissing agency heads whenever performance is questioned. The article acknowledges that ministers may lack funds or enabling legislation for some measures. It nevertheless says not every improvement requires new money or laws, pointing to enforcement and compliance as areas where agencies can act using existing powers.

According to the commentary, stronger enforcement could make companies comply with regulations and reduce some problems for which the public blames the president. It criticises officials who occupy positions of authority without showing the drive to make improvements. The writer says no minister can accomplish everything within four or eight years, but argues that doing nothing is unacceptable.

Ministers, the article says, should identify priority problems, act on them and leave a foundation for successors. The commentary identifies illegal mining, insecurity linked to banditry, community tensions, unregulated extraction, revenue losses, dangerous working conditions and infrastructure deficits as challenges in the solid minerals sector. It urges Nigerians to pay closer attention to the performance of presidential appointees.