Economic outlook for Nigeria.
The National Bureau of Statistics on August 26 announced that GDP growth slowed to 2.35% year-on-year in the second quarter, from 6.54% in the year-earlier period. This is the lowest figure since quarterly records began in 2006. It adds pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to articulate a detailed, medium-term plan to revive growth.
Buhari's cabinet appointments are likely to reflect the technocrat character of those recently appointed as heads of lead federal agencies.
However, if personnel choices also continue to be drawn primarily from the north, domestic unease will grow over a regional bias.
Despite his credentials, Buhari's new Chief of Staff Alhaji Abba Kyari may face difficulties negotiating the government's reform agenda.
