The office of the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria was instituted in May 1999 by President Olusegun Obasanjo. Prior to its creation, responsibilities now under the Chief of Staff were managed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Principal Secretary to the Head of State, a role inherited from British colonial administration .
The Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria is an important role within the Nigerian presidency. The chief of staff serves as the principal aide and gatekeeper to the nation’s leader.
The inaugural Chief of Staff was Abdullahi Mohammed, who served from 1999 until 2008 under Presidents Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Subsequent holders of the office have included Gbolade Osinowo, Mike Oghiadomhe, Jones Arogbofa, Abba Kyari, and Ibrahim Gambari.
Related: List of Nigeria Past Presidents
Also read: List of Nigeria Past Vice Presidents
Roles and Responsibilities of Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria
While it is not enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, the Chief of Staff’s duties are determined by the President and typically encompass:
- Managing Information Flow: Controlling the dissemination of information to and from the President.
- Advisory Role: Providing counsel on policy matters and political strategy.
- Liaison Functions: Coordinating between the President and other branches of government, as well as with foreign dignitaries.
- Administrative Oversight: Supervising the operations of the Presidential Villa and staff.
The influence of the Chief of Staff can vary significantly depending on the President’s leadership style. For instance, under President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff Abba Kyari was granted extensive authority, with directives that all ministerial communications be routed through him.
Related: Nigeria Constitution From Inception Till Date
Current Chief of Staff: Femi Gbajabiamila
As of June 14, 2023, the current Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu is Femi Gbajabiamila. Prior to this appointment, Gbajabiamila served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023 and was a long-serving member of the legislature, representing the Surulere I constituency in Lagos State since 2003 .
Gbajabiamila’s extensive legislative experience and close political alignment with President Tinubu position him as a key figure in the administration, with a significant role in shaping and implementing the President’s agenda
The role of the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria is integral to the effective functioning of the executive branch, serving as both a coordinator of presidential activities and a strategic advisor.
Recommended: Cabinet of Nigeria And its Presidential System
Past and Current Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria
| No | Chief of Staff Name | Term of Office | President(s) Served Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdullahi Mohammed | 29 May 1999 – 2 June 2008 | Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo |
| 2 | Gbolade Osinowo | 2 June 2008 – 18 Sept 2008 | Umaru Musa Yar Adua |
| — | Position Abolished | 18 Sept 2008 – 17 May 2010 | Umaru Musa Yar Adua |
| 3 | Mike Oghiadomhe | 17 May 2010 – 10 Feb 2014 | Goodluck Ebele Jonathan |
| 4 | Jones Arogbofa | 18 Feb 2014 – 29 May 2015 | Goodluck Ebele Jonathan |
| 5 | Abba Kyari | 27 Aug 2015 – 17 Apr 2020 | Muhammadu Buhari |
| 6 | Ibrahim Gambari | 13 May 2020 – 29 May 2023 | Muhammadu Buhari |
| 7 | Femi Gbajabiamila | 14 June 2023 – Present | Bola Ahmed Tinubu |
Related: Nigeria Coat of Arms And its Full Meaning
Related: Nigeria National Anthem and Its Frequently Asked Questions
