The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, describing the decision as a positive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal governance.
The praise was given by NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, during an interview in Abuja on Thursday. According to him, the nomination reflects the Federal Government’s willingness to engage experienced professionals with a strong understanding of the country’s economic and financial challenges.
Oyedele, an economist, accountant and public policy expert, currently serves as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. His committee has been at the centre of ongoing efforts to restructure Nigeria’s tax administration and improve the efficiency of the country’s fiscal system.
Oyerinde said the nomination demonstrates the President’s commitment to sustaining ongoing economic reforms and strengthening the nation’s financial management framework.
“Mr Oyedele’s appointment reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s fiscal governance and sustaining ongoing economic and financial reforms,” he said.
He added that effective fiscal leadership would be crucial in addressing current economic challenges, particularly inflationary pressures, while also improving the operating environment for businesses.
According to the NECA Director-General, maintaining fiscal discipline and implementing consistent economic policies would help boost private sector confidence, encourage investment and support job creation across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Oyerinde further urged the nominee, if confirmed, to prioritise broad stakeholder engagement in the implementation of fiscal reforms. He emphasised the need for policies that promote long-term economic stability and ensure effective budget implementation.
He also reaffirmed NECA’s readiness to collaborate with the government in supporting reforms that promote sustainable economic growth and enhance business competitiveness in Nigeria.
President Tinubu nominated Oyedele for the position earlier this week. The nomination was formally communicated to the Senate in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting lawmakers to consider and confirm the appointment.
If confirmed by the Senate, Oyedele will succeed Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning as a deputy minister.
In his new role, Oyedele is expected to work alongside the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to implement the Federal Government’s fiscal policies and drive the efficiency of Nigeria’s evolving tax and revenue framework.
The Senate is expected to review the nomination in the coming weeks as part of the confirmation process.
