Abuja, Nigeria – November 19, 2024 — President Bola Tinubu has restructured the State House media and communications team, redefining the roles of two newly appointed officials in a move aimed at streamlining the government’s communication strategy. The reorganisation underscores a shift from having a single presidential spokesperson to a collaborative team approach.
Role Adjustments in Media Team
In a statement issued late Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, it was announced that Sunday Dare, initially appointed as Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, will now serve as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.
Similarly, Daniel Bwala, who was named last week as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, has been reassigned to the role of Special Adviser on Policy Communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, reflect a deliberate choice to eliminate the concept of a single spokesperson for the presidency,” Onanuga stated.
A Team-Based Communication Model
Under the revised structure, the three special advisers will act collectively as spokespersons for the presidency, ensuring unified and efficient communication of government policies and engagements.
“This approach is designed to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements,” the statement read, highlighting the aim to strengthen the government’s messaging machinery.
Addressing Role Overlaps
The restructuring comes after some ambiguity regarding the roles within the communications team. Onanuga had been acting as the de facto presidential spokesperson following the departure of Ajuri Ngelale, who previously held the position of Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
The confusion deepened on Monday when Daniel Bwala declared himself the presidential spokesperson. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Bwala stated, “Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage that for more synergy.”
A Strategic Move for Efficiency
The restructuring aligns with Tinubu’s broader efforts to ensure clarity and efficiency in government operations. By eliminating the role of a single spokesperson, the presidency aims to enhance the breadth and depth of its communication strategy, leveraging the diverse expertise of its advisers to address various aspects of public messaging.
This collective approach is expected to improve transparency and foster a more comprehensive narrative about the administration’s policies and engagements.
Looking Ahead
The Tinubu administration’s communication team, now unified under this collaborative framework, faces the challenge of effectively delivering the government’s message to the public amidst growing expectations for clear and consistent updates on policy directions and achievements.
Observers and political analysts will be watching closely to assess how this new strategy impacts public perception and the efficiency of presidential communications in the coming months.
