In a significant move to bolster the administrative framework of his government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of three new officials to critical roles within Nigeria’s public sector. The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, underscores the president’s commitment to enhancing governance, improving efficiency, and aligning his administration’s policies with the needs of the Nigerian populace. The new appointees are Engr. Olalekan Badmus, appointed as the Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC); Mr. Cornelius Adebayo, named the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE); and Mr. Temitope Ilori, appointed as the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). These appointments, which are subject to confirmation by the Senate, have been described as strategic moves to strengthen key sectors of Nigeria’s economy and public health system.
Context and Significance of the Appointments
The appointments come at a pivotal time in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has been navigating a complex economic and social environment characterized by high inflation, unemployment, and public health challenges. Since taking office, his administration has prioritized economic reforms, job creation, and improvements in public health infrastructure. The selection of new leaders for the NLRC, NDE, and NACA reflects a deliberate effort to address these challenges through capable and experienced individuals who can drive policy implementation and deliver measurable results.
The NLRC, NDE, and NACA are critical institutions in Nigeria’s governance structure. The NLRC oversees the regulation of lottery and gaming activities, ensuring transparency and fairness while generating revenue for the government. The NDE focuses on tackling unemployment through skills development and job creation programs, a priority area given Nigeria’s youthful population and high unemployment rates. NACA, on the other hand, plays a vital role in coordinating the country’s response to HIV/AIDS, a public health issue that continues to affect millions of Nigerians. By appointing new leaders to these agencies, President Tinubu is signaling his administration’s intent to address economic, social, and health challenges with renewed vigor.
Profiles of the New Appointees
Engr. Olalekan Badmus – Director-General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC)
Engr. Olalekan Badmus brings a wealth of experience in regulatory oversight and technical expertise to his new role as the Director-General of the NLRC. A seasoned engineer with a background in public administration, Badmus has a track record of driving institutional reforms and fostering transparency in governance. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the NLRC’s role in regulating Nigeria’s burgeoning lottery and gaming industry, which has grown significantly in recent years due to the proliferation of online betting platforms and gaming enterprises.
The NLRC, established under the National Lottery Act of 2005, is tasked with ensuring that lottery operations in Nigeria adhere to global best practices, protecting consumers while maximizing revenue for national development. Under Badmus’s leadership, the agency is expected to enhance its regulatory framework, crack down on illegal lottery operators, and promote responsible gaming. His technical expertise is also anticipated to drive innovation in the sector, particularly in the adoption of digital tools to monitor and regulate gaming activities.
Badmus’s appointment comes at a time when the lottery industry is under scrutiny for issues such as underage gambling and the proliferation of unlicensed operators. Stakeholders in the industry have expressed optimism about his ability to address these challenges, citing his reputation for integrity and competence. His leadership is expected to foster greater public trust in the lottery sector while ensuring that the industry contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
Mr. Cornelius Adebayo – Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE)
Mr. Cornelius Adebayo’s appointment as the Director-General of the NDE is particularly significant given Nigeria’s pressing unemployment crisis. With a background in human resource development and public policy, Adebayo is well-positioned to lead the NDE in its mission to create job opportunities and empower Nigerian youths through skills acquisition programs. His appointment signals the Tinubu administration’s focus on addressing unemployment, a major issue that has fueled social unrest and economic instability in recent years.
The NDE, established in 1986, is mandated to design and implement programs that promote employment generation, particularly among the youth and vulnerable populations. Over the years, the agency has introduced initiatives such as vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and small-scale enterprise support. However, the scale of Nigeria’s unemployment challenge—estimated at over 33% in 2023—requires innovative and scalable solutions. Adebayo’s leadership is expected to revitalize the NDE’s programs, making them more responsive to the needs of Nigeria’s dynamic labor market.
Adebayo’s appointment has been met with cautious optimism by labor unions and youth organizations, who have called for greater transparency and inclusivity in the NDE’s programs. His ability to forge partnerships with the private sector, international organizations, and state governments will be critical to the success of his tenure. By leveraging technology and data-driven approaches, Adebayo has the opportunity to transform the NDE into a more effective tool for job creation and economic empowerment.
Mr. Temitope Ilori – Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)
Mr. Temitope Ilori’s appointment as the Director-General of NACA comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS. With extensive experience in public health and program management, Ilori is expected to lead NACA in intensifying efforts to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, improve access to treatment, and address stigma associated with the disease. His appointment underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and achieving the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
NACA, established in 2001, coordinates Nigeria’s multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS, working with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. Despite significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence—from 5.8% in 2001 to 1.4% in 2023—Nigeria still faces challenges such as limited access to testing and treatment in rural areas, funding constraints, and persistent stigma. Ilori’s leadership will be crucial in addressing these issues and sustaining Nigeria’s progress toward an AIDS-free future.
Public health experts have praised Ilori’s appointment, citing his deep understanding of Nigeria’s health challenges and his ability to mobilize resources for impactful interventions. His tenure is expected to focus on expanding access to antiretroviral therapy, strengthening prevention programs, and promoting community-based approaches to HIV/AIDS management. With Nigeria accounting for a significant proportion of new HIV infections in West Africa, Ilori’s role will be pivotal in shaping the country’s public health landscape.
The Broader Implications of the Appointments
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint new leaders to these agencies reflects his administration’s broader strategy of repositioning key institutions to deliver on his “Renewed Hope” agenda. Since taking office, Tinubu has emphasized the need for competent leadership, institutional reforms, and inclusive governance to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. The appointments of Badmus, Adebayo, and Ilori are seen as part of this broader vision, with each appointee tasked with driving measurable progress in their respective domains.
The timing of the appointments is also noteworthy. Nigeria is grappling with economic difficulties, including rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and a depreciating naira. These challenges have exacerbated unemployment and poverty, placing immense pressure on the government to deliver tangible results. By appointing experienced professionals to lead the NLRC, NDE, and NACA, Tinubu is signaling his administration’s commitment to addressing these issues through targeted interventions in revenue generation, job creation, and public health.
Moreover, the appointments reflect Tinubu’s emphasis on merit-based leadership. Each appointee brings a unique set of skills and experiences that align with the mandates of their respective agencies. This focus on competence is expected to enhance public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. However, the success of these appointments will depend on the appointees’ ability to navigate bureaucratic challenges, secure adequate funding, and build partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Challenges and Expectations
While the appointments have been broadly welcomed, they come with significant challenges. For Engr. Olalekan Badmus, the task of regulating Nigeria’s lottery industry requires balancing the need for revenue generation with consumer protection and ethical considerations. The proliferation of online betting platforms has raised concerns about addiction and financial exploitation, particularly among young Nigerians. Badmus will need to implement robust regulatory measures while fostering an environment that supports legitimate operators.
For Mr. Cornelius Adebayo, the challenge of addressing unemployment is daunting. Nigeria’s youthful population, with over 60% under the age of 30, presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While the NDE has the potential to empower millions through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, the scale of the unemployment crisis requires innovative approaches and substantial investment. Adebayo will need to work closely with the private sector, educational institutions, and international partners to create sustainable job opportunities.
Mr. Temitope Ilori faces the equally daunting task of sustaining Nigeria’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Despite significant strides, funding for HIV/AIDS programs remains a challenge, with Nigeria relying heavily on international donors. Ilori will need to advocate for increased domestic funding, strengthen partnerships with global health organizations, and address systemic issues such as stigma and discrimination that continue to hinder progress.
Senate Confirmation and Next Steps
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as required by law. The Senate’s role in vetting and approving presidential appointees ensures accountability and transparency in the selection process. Given the profiles of the appointees, there is optimism that the Senate will expedite the confirmation process, allowing them to assume their roles promptly.
Once confirmed, the new directors-general will be expected to hit the ground running. Their immediate priorities will include developing strategic plans for their respective agencies, engaging with stakeholders, and aligning their programs with the Tinubu administration’s broader policy objectives. Public expectations are high, and the appointees will need to demonstrate results within a short timeframe to maintain credibility and public support.
Public and Stakeholder Reactions
The announcement of the appointments has elicited a range of reactions from stakeholders across Nigeria. Civil society organizations have called for the new appointees to prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in their operations. Industry experts in the lottery, employment, and public health sectors have expressed optimism about the potential for transformative change under the new leadership.
However, there are also concerns about the challenges facing the appointees. Analysts have noted that the success of these appointments will depend on the government’s ability to provide adequate funding and political support. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and external pressures could undermine the appointees’ efforts if not addressed proactively.
Conclusion
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Engr. Olalekan Badmus, Mr. Cornelius Adebayo, and Mr. Temitope Ilori as directors-general of the NLRC, NDE, and NACA, respectively, marks a significant step in his administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s governance framework. These appointments reflect a commitment to addressing critical issues such as economic development, unemployment, and public health through competent and experienced leadership.
As Nigeria navigates a complex socio-economic landscape, the new appointees have a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. Their success will depend on their ability to implement innovative policies, build strategic partnerships, and deliver measurable results. With the Senate’s confirmation pending, Nigerians are watching closely, hopeful that these appointments will translate into tangible improvements in their lives.
The Tinubu administration’s focus on merit-based appointments and institutional reforms is a step in the right direction. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the new directors-general will need to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination to fulfill their mandates. As they prepare to take on their roles, the nation awaits the transformative changes that these appointments promise to deliver.
