Nigeria’s Ministries, Ministers and Their Functions (2026)
Nigeria operates a federal system of government in which the President heads the executive arm. Under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the President appoints ministers who serve on the Federal Executive Council (FEC). These ministers oversee federal ministries and help translate government policies into programmes, regulations and public services.
Section 147 of the Constitution provides for the appointment of at least one minister from each state of the federation. Ministers of State may also be appointed to support ministers with specific responsibilities and programmes.
Federal ministries are central to the administration of the country. They develop policies, coordinate public programmes, oversee relevant government agencies and help implement national priorities. Each ministry operates through political leadership and a professional civil service structure led by a Permanent Secretary.
Nigeria’s ministerial structure has changed over time as governments create, merge, rename or reorganise portfolios to reflect national priorities. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, areas such as the digital economy, livestock development, the blue economy and regional development have received distinct ministerial attention.
This guide explains the major federal ministries, their principal functions and the ministers listed in official government directories as of October 2026. Ministerial appointments and portfolio arrangements can change, so readers should consult official government sources for the latest updates.
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1. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Minister: Senator Abubakar Kyari
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security develops policies and programmes to improve agricultural production and strengthen Nigeria’s food supply. Its responsibilities include supporting crop production, agricultural research, livestock development, fisheries, extension services and access to farming inputs. The ministry also promotes agricultural value chains, rural development and opportunities for farmers to reach local and international markets.
2. Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
Minister: Hannatu Musa Musawa
This ministry promotes Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism industry and creative economy. It supports the development of cultural institutions and creative professionals, including those working in film, music, arts and related industries. It also helps promote Nigeria as a destination for cultural tourism and investment in the creative sector.
3. Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Minister: Festus Keyamo, SAN
The ministry oversees federal aviation policy and works to support safe, efficient and sustainable air transport. Its responsibilities include aviation-sector development, airport infrastructure policy, regulatory coordination and initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s aerospace industry. It also works with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders to improve air transport services.
4. Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
Minister: Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu
This ministry coordinates national development planning and helps align government expenditure with economic and social priorities. It contributes to medium-term planning, budget preparation and monitoring of development programmes. The ministry also works with other government institutions to assess national priorities and support the implementation of economic plans.
5. Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
Minister: Dr Bosun Tijani
The ministry promotes digital transformation and the growth of Nigeria’s information and communications technology sector. Its responsibilities include policies relating to telecommunications, broadband expansion, digital skills, technology innovation and the development of a competitive digital economy. It also supports initiatives that encourage technology entrepreneurship and wider access to digital services.
6. Ministry of Defence
Minister: General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.)
The Ministry of Defence develops and coordinates national defence policy and oversees the administrative framework for the Nigerian Armed Forces. It works with the Army, Navy and Air Force on matters relating to defence planning, military readiness, procurement and the welfare of service personnel. Its responsibilities are distinct from those of civilian security agencies that operate under other ministries.
7. Ministry of Education
Minister: Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa
The Federal Ministry of Education formulates and coordinates national education policies within its mandate. It works to improve educational access, standards, teacher development, technical education and skills acquisition. The ministry also supervises relevant federal education institutions and collaborates with state governments and other stakeholders on education-sector development.
8. Ministry of Environment
Minister: Balarabe Abbas Lawal
This ministry develops policies to protect Nigeria’s environment and promote sustainable natural-resource management. Its areas of responsibility include environmental pollution, climate change, desertification, deforestation and environmental conservation. It also coordinates relevant programmes and works with regulatory agencies and other levels of government to address environmental challenges.
9. Ministry of Finance
Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy: Taiwo Oyedele
The Ministry of Finance manages key aspects of the Federal Government’s fiscal policy and public finances. Its responsibilities include revenue and expenditure management, fiscal coordination, debt-related policy and support for economic reforms. In his additional role as Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele is responsible for broader economic coordination across government.
10. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Minister: Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formulates and implements Nigeria’s foreign policy. It manages diplomatic relations, coordinates engagement with international organisations and oversees Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad. The ministry also provides consular support through the appropriate channels and works to protect Nigeria’s interests and citizens overseas.
11. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Coordinating Minister: Professor Muhammad Ali Pate
This ministry develops and coordinates federal health policies and relevant social welfare initiatives. Its responsibilities include public health, disease prevention, health-system strengthening and oversight of federal health institutions within its mandate. It also works with state governments, health professionals and development partners to improve access to quality healthcare.
12. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Minister: Dr Muttaqa Rabe Darma
The ministry develops policies for housing, urban development and improved living conditions. It supports initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable housing, improving urban planning and encouraging sustainable development in cities and towns. It also works with relevant institutions and stakeholders on housing delivery and urban infrastructure policy.
13. Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
Minister: Dr Bernard M. Doro
This ministry coordinates federal humanitarian response and poverty-reduction initiatives within its mandate. Its responsibilities include supporting vulnerable populations, coordinating responses to humanitarian emergencies and developing programmes intended to improve social protection and livelihoods. Effective implementation requires collaboration with state governments, humanitarian organisations and relevant public agencies.
14. Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Minister: Dr Jumoke Oduwole
The ministry promotes industrial development, trade and investment in Nigeria. It works to improve the business environment, encourage domestic and foreign investment, support enterprise growth and expand opportunities for Nigerian products in local and international markets. Its activities also contribute to economic diversification and job creation.
15. Ministry of Information and National Orientation
Minister: Mohammed Idris
This ministry coordinates government communication, public information and national orientation programmes. It works to communicate government policies and initiatives, promote public awareness and support national values. The ministry also coordinates relevant government information institutions and communication activities.
16. Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
Minister: Dr Kingsley T. Udeh
The ministry promotes scientific research, technological innovation and the application of science to national development. Its responsibilities include supporting research institutions, encouraging technology transfer and strengthening links between scientific research, industry and public policy. It also contributes to efforts to develop local technical capacity and innovation.
17. Ministry of Interior
Minister: Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The Ministry of Interior oversees important internal administrative and security-related responsibilities. It supervises agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Fire Service. Its work also covers relevant matters involving citizenship, immigration administration, correctional services and civil protection.
18. Federal Ministry of Justice
Minister and Attorney General of the Federation: Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN
The Federal Ministry of Justice provides legal services to the Federal Government and supports the administration of justice. The Attorney General of the Federation serves as the government’s chief law officer, with responsibilities that include legal advice, representation in legal proceedings and participation in legislative and law-reform processes. The ministry also works to promote the rule of law.
19. Ministry of Labour and Employment
Minister: Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi
The ministry develops and coordinates federal labour and employment policies. Its work includes industrial relations, labour standards, workplace issues, employment promotion and engagement between workers, employers and government. It also supports initiatives intended to improve labour-market conditions and address employment-related challenges.
20. Ministry of Livestock Development
Minister: Idi Mukhtar Maiha
The Ministry of Livestock Development focuses on improving Nigeria’s livestock sector and developing its associated value chains. Its responsibilities include policies relating to animal production, animal health, livestock productivity, processing and commercial opportunities. The ministry is also intended to support investment and more sustainable development of livestock-related businesses.
21. Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Minister: Adegboyega Oyetola
This ministry works to develop Nigeria’s maritime and ocean-related economic opportunities. Its areas of interest include shipping, maritime services, ports-related policy, fisheries and other activities linked to the country’s marine resources. It seeks to strengthen the contribution of maritime industries to trade, employment and economic diversification.
22. Ministry of Petroleum Resources
The petroleum portfolio covers Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The President retains the substantive petroleum resources portfolio, while ministers of state oversee the oil and gas responsibilities assigned to them.
- Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil): Senator Heineken Lokpobiri
- Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas): Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo
The portfolio supports policy and sector oversight across oil and gas activities. Responsibilities include contributing to petroleum-sector development, supporting investment and coordinating relevant policy initiatives with the agencies and institutions responsible for regulation and operations.
23. Ministry of Power
Minister: Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe
The Ministry of Power develops and coordinates federal electricity policy. Its responsibilities include supporting reforms in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, improving the power sector’s institutional framework and addressing challenges affecting electricity supply. It works with relevant agencies, operators and other stakeholders on efforts to strengthen the sector.
24. Ministry of Regional Development
Minister: Engr. Abubakar Momoh
The ministry coordinates regional development initiatives and programmes intended to address infrastructure and development gaps across designated regions. Its work includes coordinating relevant interventions, supporting regional growth and working with associated development institutions. Its structure reflects the Federal Government’s reorganisation of regional development responsibilities.
25. Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
Minister: Dr Oladele Henry Alake
The ministry promotes the exploration, development and responsible use of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. It supports policies intended to grow the mining sector, attract investment, encourage value addition and reduce dependence on oil revenue. It also works with relevant institutions on mineral-sector development and compliance with applicable rules.
26. Ministry of Steel Development
Minister: Shuaibu A. Audu
This ministry focuses on the development and revival of Nigeria’s steel industry. Its work includes policies to encourage investment in steel production, strengthen local industrial capacity and support the supply of materials needed for manufacturing and infrastructure. The sector is important to wider industrialisation and economic diversification.
27. Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
Minister: Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev
The ministry develops policies relating to water resources, irrigation, dams and sanitation within the federal government’s responsibilities. It supports water-resource management, agricultural irrigation and programmes aimed at improving access to safe water and sanitation. It also coordinates relevant initiatives with other government institutions and stakeholders.
28. Ministry of Women Affairs
Minister: Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
The ministry promotes women’s empowerment, gender equality and the protection of women’s and children’s rights. Its responsibilities include developing relevant policies and coordinating programmes to improve women’s participation in social and economic development. It also works with public institutions and other stakeholders to address issues affecting women, girls and families.
29. Ministry of Works
Minister: Engr. David Umahi
The Federal Ministry of Works oversees federal road infrastructure and related public works within its mandate. Its responsibilities include planning, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of federal highways and bridges. It also coordinates infrastructure projects intended to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic activity.
30. Ministry of Youth Development
Minister: Ayodele Olawande
The ministry develops policies and programmes aimed at youth empowerment, participation and development. Its areas of focus include skills acquisition, opportunities for young people, youth-focused initiatives and collaboration with relevant organisations. It contributes to efforts to help young Nigerians participate more fully in economic and national development.
31. Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs
Minister: Rt. Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo
This ministry handles designated special assignments and supports coordination between the Federal Government and other levels of government, according to its official mandate. Its responsibilities may include coordinating specific government initiatives and facilitating intergovernmental engagement on assigned matters.
What About the Ministry of Transportation?
Transportation is a distinct federal portfolio covering transport policy and related sector development. However, the State House cabinet directory consulted for this article does not currently display a minister’s name against the Ministry of Transportation. Readers should check the official government directory for any subsequent appointment or portfolio update.
How Federal Ministers Work Together
Federal ministers lead their respective policy portfolios, but many national priorities require cooperation across several ministries. For example, food security involves agriculture, transportation and trade; public health can involve health, water resources and environment; and industrial development may require coordination among industry, power, finance, science and technology.
The Federal Executive Council provides a forum for ministers to deliberate on national issues, coordinate government policies and consider matters requiring collective decisions. Ministers are also accountable through established constitutional, administrative and legislative oversight processes.
The Permanent Secretary and other career civil servants support each ministry’s day-to-day administration, policy implementation and institutional continuity. This distinction is important: ministers provide political leadership, while the professional civil service supports the ongoing operation of government.
Why Nigeria’s Federal Ministries Matter
Nigeria’s ministries are key institutions for implementing public policy and delivering government programmes. Their work affects agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, security, trade, employment and many other areas of national life.
Knowing which ministry is responsible for a particular issue can help citizens find the appropriate government institution, understand public announcements and follow policy developments more effectively.
Because ministerial appointments and portfolios can change, readers should verify names and responsibilities through official government sources before relying on them for time-sensitive purposes.
For the latest information, consult the State House cabinet directory and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
