President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Dr. Kingsley Udeh as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following his confirmation alongside that of another nominee from Plateau State, earlier on Thursday as ministers-designate by the Nigerian Senate.
The ceremony took place inside the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, just minutes before the commencement of the FEC meeting, the first since July 2025.
Thursday’s swearing-in restores cabinet representation for Enugu and Plateau states, both of which had been without ministerial presence in the past few weeks.
Udeh, until his nomination, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, replaces Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned on October 7, 2025, following controversies over his academic records at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Udeh, recently conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was nominated by the President on November 4 and was confirmed by the Senate soon afterwards.
Their swearing-in brings Tinubu’s cabinet size to 48 ministers.
Meanwhile, the Senate had earlier in the day, confirmed Dr. Udeh as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
The confirmation followed a screening session on the Senate floor on Thursday, as reported by Channels TV.
Born in 1978, Udeh previously served as Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
During the screening, senators questioned him on national and diplomatic issues, including Nigeria’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats.
Responding, Udeh said President Bola Tinubu was managing the situation through diplomatic channels, describing it as “a matter of diplomacy rather than law.”
He also addressed the debate on separating the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, saying the success of either arrangement depends on the integrity and independence of the officeholder.
Satisfied with his responses, the Senate asked him to take a bow and subsequently confirmed his appointment.
