On July 31, 2023, the Nigerian Senate initiated the screening process for ministerial nominees during the plenary session, which commenced at approximately 1:30 pm. The first nominee to undergo screening was Abubakar Momoh, representing Edo State. Currently, the former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, is undergoing his screening.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had previously unveiled the list of 28 ministerial nominees. The list was personally delivered by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who is also a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Among the prominent politicians who made the nominee list are Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nasir el-Rufai from Kaduna, and former Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi.
The full list of ministerial nominees is as follows:
- Abubakar Momoh
- Amb Yusuf Maitama
- Architect Ahmad Dangiwa
- Hanatu Musawa
- Chief Uche Nnaji
- Beta Edu
- Doris Aniche
- David Umahi
- Nyesom Wike
- Mohamed Badaru
- Nasir El-Rufai
- Ekperikpe Ekpo
- Nkiru Onyejiocha
- Olubumi Ojo
- Stella Okotekpe
- Uju Kennedy
- Bello Mohammed Goroyo
- Dele Alake
- Lateef Fagbemi
- Mohammed Idris
- Olawale Edun
- Adebayo Adelabu
- Imma Suleiman
- Ali Pate
- Joseph Utsev
- Abubaka Kyari
- John Eno
- Sani Abubakar Danladi
The screening process is a crucial step in the appointment of ministers who will serve in the Nigerian government, and it allows the Senate to assess the qualifications and suitability of the nominees for their respective positions.