The upper house of parliament, which needs to vet and approve Jonathan's choices, is expected to vote on the 33 nominees before an Easter recess starts on Thursday.

Jonathan sacked all government ministers in Africa's top energy producer two weeks ago in a bid to assert his authority a month after assuming executive powers in the absence of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, who remains too sick to govern.

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Odein Ajumogobia, tipped as a possible oil minister, and Olusegun Aganga, a London-based executive at Goldman Sachs,  seen as a contender for a finance ministry post, are among the nominees.

Portfolios will be assigned once the upper house has interviewed the nominees and approved the list.

Nigeria's cabinet is made up of more than 40 ministers, ministers of state and ministers in the presidency. Jonathan is expected to submit a second list of nominees for Senate approval to complete his new team soon.