Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has explained that the recent dissolution of his cabinet was the result of a mid-term performance review, aimed at aligning the state’s governance with the vision of his administration’s “New Niger Agenda.”

 

Speaking to journalists shortly after a valedictory State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the Government House in Minna, the Governor said the move was necessary to reassess the capacities of his cabinet members based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

 

“Some of our appointees exceeded expectations. Others did not meet the benchmark. There were also those who have strengths in areas different from where they were initially placed,” Governor Bago noted.

 

According to the Governor, the performance audit revealed opportunities for restructuring and redeploying talents to better serve the development goals of the state. He emphasized that the cabinet shake-up was not punitive but strategic.

 

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor assured that while the cabinet stands dissolved, some former members would be reappointed, while others may be given new roles or portfolios in line with their strengths.

 

“This is part of efforts to rejig the system for growth and efficiency. We need people in the right places to actualize our mission,” he said.

 

Governor Bago expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners and appointees, acknowledging their service and collective achievements over the past period.

 

“I appreciate all their contributions. They have collectively done well,” he said.

 

While the cabinet has been dissolved, key principal officers have been retained, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and other strategic aides.

Governor Bago, who assumed office in 2023, has made governance reforms and developmental planning central to his “New Niger Agenda”, which emphasizes infrastructure, education, agriculture, and security.

 

The mid-term review and cabinet dissolution are being viewed as part of his broader strategy to ensure accountability, improved service delivery, and results-driven leadership across all sectors of the state government.