In 2025, the political environment in Abuja, Nigeria’s heart of governance, has become a vibrant and dynamic space where new figures have risen to prominence. These individuals, with varied backgrounds and expertise, are significantly shaping the nation’s future, influencing policy, and making waves in crucial sectors of governance.
They represent a shift in the political establishment, a move towards an evolving political ecosystem that seeks to address longstanding challenges and catalyze transformation. Each of them holds a unique position, and their contributions in 2025 will echo far beyond the present moment, impacting the national trajectory, especially with the upcoming 2027 general elections.
1. Bayo Ojulari – Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) has long been the powerhouse of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and in 2025, a new force has come into the helm of this titan. Bayo Ojulari, a man with a vast wealth of experience in the energy sector, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. His ascent to the top position came in April 2025, after President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognized the need for a seasoned leader to overhaul the state-owned oil company.
Ojulari’s career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. He previously worked with Shell for over two decades, playing pivotal roles in major deepwater exploration projects and refining processes. His transition from a private-sector powerhouse to the leader of Nigeria’s largest oil entity is a significant one.
With Nigeria’s oil industry facing challenges ranging from outdated infrastructure to the need for increased production to meet growing domestic and international demand, Ojulari’s leadership will be crucial in transforming the NNPCL into a modern and efficient entity. His mandate is clear: to restructure the corporation, revamp Nigeria’s refining capacities, and explore new avenues of revenue generation that will help the country become a global leader in energy once again.
In a time when energy independence is more important than ever for Nigeria’s development, Ojulari’s decisions will be closely scrutinized. His expertise in deepwater exploration and production, along with his familiarity with the challenges faced by the global energy market, positions him to not only stabilize Nigeria’s oil output but also increase investments in local refining. His efforts will be crucial in determining how effectively the country can navigate the complexities of energy policy while keeping an eye on environmental sustainability and technological advancement.
This appointment marks a new chapter for NNPCL, one where transparency, efficiency, and sustainability are expected to be central tenets of its operational philosophy. Under Ojulari’s leadership, NNPCL may well become one of the key players that shifts Nigeria’s position within the global energy market.
2. Zacch Adedeji – Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
A highly regarded figure in Nigeria’s tax landscape, Zacch Adedeji stands at the helm of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Executive Chairman. Having been appointed in early 2025, Adedeji brings with him a remarkable track record of transforming tax administration and revenue generation. His leadership is especially noteworthy considering his previous role as Oyo State’s Finance Commissioner, where he was instrumental in implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) that streamlined the state’s finances and boosted its revenue collection.
Adedeji’s mandate at FIRS is vital as Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of increasing domestic revenue and reducing its dependency on oil exports. His expertise in public finance, paired with his deep understanding of the intricacies of tax reform, makes him the perfect candidate to lead the charge for comprehensive reforms in the nation’s tax systems. As Nigeria struggles to broaden its revenue base, Adedeji’s role is crucial in shaping a more efficient tax regime. Under his leadership, Nigeria’s tax system will be expected to go through a complete overhaul to ensure that it is transparent, more effective, and aligned with modern global standards.
Adedeji’s approach to tax reform includes not just modernizing the existing frameworks but also introducing innovative measures that will expand the tax net, ensuring that all sectors of the economy are contributing fairly. His vision for FIRS is one where taxation becomes a tool for national development, helping to fund critical infrastructural projects and social welfare programs, while also ensuring that Nigerians get value for their tax contributions. If successful, Adedeji’s leadership will lay the foundation for a more self-sustaining Nigerian economy that is less reliant on oil revenues, one where taxes play a central role in funding public services.
His tenure at FIRS will be remembered as a pivotal time in Nigeria’s economic diversification, a period when Nigeria’s fiscal landscape was redefined and the groundwork was laid for long-term economic stability.
3. Ireti Kingibe – Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
One of the most important emerging political figures in 2025 is Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Nigerian Senate. Known for her significant contributions to the advocacy of women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice, Kingibe is a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics. As a member of the Labour Party, she became the first female senator to represent the FCT in 2023, and by 2025, her influence in national politics continues to grow.
Her election as a senator was a major milestone for Nigeria, as it underscored the increasing role of women in political leadership. Kingibe, with a strong engineering background, has been vocal about the urgent need for infrastructural development in Abuja, the nation’s capital, and beyond. Her push for greater infrastructural investment comes at a time when Nigeria’s urbanization rates are skyrocketing, and the country is facing mounting challenges in housing, transportation, and basic amenities.
Kingibe’s position on key national issues, such as education, gender empowerment, and poverty alleviation, has solidified her as a trusted voice among her constituents and the broader Nigerian public. In the Senate, she is widely regarded for her strategic advocacy on policies that prioritize education reform and social infrastructure. In 2025, Kingibe has pushed for bills aimed at ensuring greater representation of women in political leadership positions, alongside more equitable distribution of resources to Nigeria’s vulnerable communities.
Her ability to build bridges across party lines and effectively use her platform to address the issues affecting the people of the FCT, particularly the marginalized groups within Abuja, has made her one of the most respected voices in the Senate. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kingibe’s name will undoubtedly become synonymous with the fight for gender equality and equitable urban development.
4. Mohammed Idris Malagi – Minister of Information and National Orientation
In the field of media, communication, and public engagement, one individual has quickly risen to become a pivotal figure in shaping Nigeria’s image both at home and abroad: Mohammed Idris Malagi. Appointed as the Minister of Information and National Orientation in 2023, Malagi’s role has grown significantly in 2025 as Nigeria seeks to enhance its global influence and manage domestic information dissemination in an increasingly connected world.
Malagi, a former media mogul, is perhaps best known for his tenure as the publisher of Blueprint, a leading Nigerian newspaper. His deep understanding of the media landscape and its role in shaping public opinion has made him a trusted member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In 2025, his role as Minister involves overseeing the government’s communication strategy, managing national discourse, and promoting Nigeria’s values globally. As misinformation spreads rapidly through social media and other digital platforms, Malagi’s task is crucial in curbing the tide of fake news and ensuring that the government’s narrative remains consistent and reliable.
Under Malagi’s leadership, the Ministry of Information has launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s image, both locally and internationally. His work includes developing strategies to boost Nigeria’s global soft power, showcasing the country’s rich culture, diverse heritage, and growing economy. Domestically, he has focused on restoring public trust in government messaging, promoting national unity, and advocating for media freedom in the face of rising political tensions.
Malagi’s approach to information dissemination is progressive, leveraging modern technology to ensure that the Nigerian government effectively engages with the populace. Whether through social media campaigns, town halls, or digital broadcasting platforms, he has worked tirelessly to reshape the narrative surrounding Nigeria’s governance, positioning it as a nation committed to innovation, growth, and international cooperation.
5. Abiodun Essiet – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement
Abiodun Essiet is a social development advocate who has emerged as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s governance under the current administration. Appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Essiet’s work focuses on fostering direct communication between the government and local communities. Her job entails engaging with grassroots leaders, community organizations, and citizens to ensure that national policies address the real needs of Nigerians at the local level.
Essiet’s expertise in gender equality and community development has shaped her approach to governance. She has been instrumental in introducing policies that aim to bridge the gap between rural communities and the federal government. In 2025, she has worked to promote inclusive governance, ensuring that marginalized groups—particularly women and youth—are empowered to participate in decision-making processes.
Her work has included facilitating government-led initiatives that provide direct benefits to rural communities, such as access to better healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Essiet’s advocacy for local leadership and decentralized decision-making has made her a key figure in Nigeria’s quest to promote inclusive growth and social development.
As Nigeria’s population continues to urbanize, the role of figures like Abiodun Essiet becomes increasingly vital. Her commitment to listening to and advocating for the needs of Nigeria’s diverse communities positions her as one of the country’s emerging stars in governance.
6. Fela Durotoye – Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values & Social Justice Administration
Fela Durotoye, an accomplished leadership expert, former presidential candidate, and social justice advocate, has emerged as one of the most important figures in the Nigerian political arena. In 2023, Durotoye was appointed the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values & Social Justice Administration, a position that allows him to address some of the most pressing ethical and moral challenges in Nigeria’s governance.
In this capacity, Durotoye’s primary responsibility is to promote national values that reflect fairness, equity, and justice. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria’s political leadership embodies integrity, and he has pushed for reforms that aim to reduce corruption at all levels of government. His work focuses not just on policy reforms but on shifting the national consciousness towards a culture of ethical leadership.
Through various initiatives, Durotoye has sought to create a political environment where values such as honesty, transparency, and accountability are at the forefront of governance. In 2025, he remains committed to his mission of transforming Nigeria’s leadership landscape, promoting social justice, and holding those in power accountable to the people.
As these power brokers continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape in 2025, their leadership, vision, and policies will be key in determining the nation’s success in tackling its challenges and achieving sustainable growth.
Their rise to prominence signals a shift in the governance dynamic, one that seeks innovation, inclusivity, and greater transparency. In the coming years, these figures will be crucial in steering Nigeria toward a brighter future as they continue to navigate the complexities of national leadership in the modern age.
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