President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not yet convened the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, 44 days after the inaugural cabinet session held on August 28.

The FEC, led by the President, plays a pivotal role in determining the policies and programs of the Federal Government, serving as an advisory body to the Nigerian leader.

On August 21, President Tinubu inaugurated 45 ministers who attended the maiden cabinet meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 28.

However, the President spent a significant portion of September abroad, attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, and engaging in bilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for eight days. He was also present at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the United States, and other official engagements for twelve days.

During this period, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who could have presided over FEC meetings, was in Havana representing the President at the G77+China Leaders’ Summit from September 15 to 17.

President Tinubu returned to Abuja on September 29, ahead of the 63rd Independence Anniversary, but has not presided over any FEC meeting since.

Notably, three ministers recently confirmed by the Senate—Balarabe Abbas Lawal (Kaduna), Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Kwara), and Ayodele Olawande (Ondo)—have not been sworn in.

A top presidency source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained to Daily Trust that the delay in the FEC meeting was due to an impending ministerial retreat. The source mentioned that each minister had received a document outlining their mandates and targets. The ministerial retreat is expected to proceed once all 48 ministers have internalized the content of these documents.

The source also indicated that the recently confirmed ministers would be sworn in at the next cabinet meeting. Despite the delay in the FEC meeting, the President has continued to receive briefings from ministers and heads of various agencies and parastatals. The source emphasized that the retreat is a crucial step in the process, allowing ministers to familiarize themselves with their responsibilities before convening the FEC meeting.