Future Nigeria cabinet will not solve economic crunch

Subject

Economic outlook for Nigeria.

Significance

The National Bureau of Statistics on August 26 announced that GDP growth slowed to 2.35% year-on-year in the second quarter, from 6.54% in the year-earlier period. This is the lowest figure since quarterly records began in 2006. It adds pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to articulate a detailed, medium-term plan to revive growth.

Impacts

• Buhari's cabinet appointments are likely to reflect the technocrat character of those recently appointed as heads of lead federal agencies.
• However, if personnel choices also continue to be drawn primarily from the north, domestic unease will grow over a regional bias.
• Despite his credentials, Buhari's new Chief of Staff Alhaji Abba Kyari may face difficulties negotiating the government's reform agenda.