ABUJA, Nigeria – July 17, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as Nigeria’s most digitally visible government official, boasting over 4.5 million followers across social media platforms. However, a sharp contrast exists within his cabinet, as the majority of his ministers continue to operate with minimal or no notable online presence.
An analysis of the digital footprint of top government officials reveals that President Tinubu maintains a robust and strategic engagement on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. His consistent online visibility is credited with shaping public perception, controlling narratives, and promoting key policy achievements directly to citizens.
In contrast, only a handful of ministers, including the likes of Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications and Digital Economy) and Betta Edu (suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs), have cultivated notable digital profiles. Most cabinet members, however, remain digitally inactive, with limited or zero engagement on platforms where millions of Nigerians, especially youths, actively consume political content and government information.
Media analysts have argued that this digital gap creates a communication vacuum that hampers effective public engagement and accountability. “In a democracy where perception matters, ministers need to build trust through transparency. Social media offers a direct link to citizens,” said media strategist David Etim.
The lack of online visibility among ministers has also raised concerns over the federal government’s ability to push coordinated narratives or address misinformation in real time, especially amid growing political criticism and public discontent.
Observers have urged President Tinubu to mandate improved digital presence for his appointees to ensure that governance is not only happening but also seen and felt by the public in the digital age.
