Tinubu sacks aide on digital, creative economy

Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Sacks Aide on Digital and Creative Economy

In a move that has stirred conversations across Nigeria’s tech and creative sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially dismissed Fegho John Umunubo from his role as Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy.

The announcement, made public through a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, confirmed that the disengagement takes immediate effect and that Umunubo no longer holds any official capacity within the administration.

Fegho Umunubo

Umunubo had served in the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, where he was tasked with supporting the development of Nigeria’s burgeoning digital and creative industries.

His removal comes amid growing scrutiny of the administration’s approach to digital policy and innovation, though no specific reasons were cited in the official statement. 

The presidency emphasized that stakeholders, both domestic and international, should refrain from engaging with Umunubo in any governmental capacity, warning that any such interactions would be at their own risk.

The dismissal has raised questions about the future direction of Nigeria’s digital and creative economy strategy, especially as the country seeks to position itself as a hub for innovation and youth-driven enterprise.

Umunubo had previously been involved in initiatives aimed at fostering tech entrepreneurship and promoting Nigeria’s creative talents on global platforms. His exit leaves a gap in the leadership structure of this critical sector, prompting speculation about who might be appointed to steer the agenda forward.

What are the implications of this decision?

Looking deeper into the situation, and by way of emphasis, the dismissal of Fegho John Umunubo as Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy carries several notable implications for Nigeria’s tech and creative sectors, as well as for the broader political landscape.

First, it signals a potential shift in the administration’s priorities or internal dynamics regarding digital innovation and creative enterprise. Umunubo had been a visible figure in promoting initiatives tied to the creative economy, including the controversial ₦5 billion Creative Fund, which some reports suggest may have been linked to his removal. If true, this raises questions about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds earmarked for youth-driven industries.

Second, the abrupt nature of the dismissal, accompanied by a stern warning that stakeholders should no longer engage with Umunubo in any official capacity probably, suggests a breakdown in trust or a serious breach of protocol. This could have a chilling effect on ongoing partnerships or projects that were previously coordinated through his office, especially those involving international collaborators who may now face uncertainty about who to liaise with.

Third, the decision may create a leadership vacuum in a sector that is critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification. The digital and creative economy has been touted as a key driver of employment and innovation, particularly among the youth. Without a clear successor or continuity plan, there’s a risk of stalled momentum in policy implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Finally, on a political level, the move may reflect President Tinubu’s assertiveness in reshaping his team and enforcing discipline within his administration, sending a message that roles tied to strategic sectors like digital innovation are under close scrutiny and that performance or conduct issues will be met with swift action.

Whether this decision leads to a more robust and transparent framework for managing Nigeria’s digital and creative industries, or triggers further instability, will depend on how quickly and effectively the administration fills the gap and communicates its next steps.

While the presidency has not yet named a replacement, industry observers are watching closely to see how the administration recalibrates its engagement with the digital and creative economy, a sector that holds immense promise for job creation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness