The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has formally welcomed Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite to the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja as she assumes duty as Minister of State for Finance.
The reception, held at the ministry’s headquarters, brought together senior officials and key figures in Nigeria’s economic management team. It marked the beginning of a new working phase for Uzoka-Anite as the ministry continues to drive President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
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The ministry disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X, formerly Twitter, account on Monday.
Edun, while receiving the new minister of state, described her arrival as an important addition to the finance team. He praised Uzoka-Anite as hardworking, focused and experienced, saying her appointment would strengthen the ministry’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
He said President Tinubu had shown foresight by appointing a Minister of State for Finance at a time when the country was pursuing major economic reforms and seeking stronger coordination across fiscal policy, revenue generation, investment and growth.
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According to Edun, Uzoka-Anite’s background and experience would be useful as the ministry continues to implement policies aimed at stabilising the economy and improving public finances.
He encouraged her to approach her new responsibilities with confidence, discipline and creativity, noting that the ministry had a central role to play in shaping Nigeria’s economic direction.
The Finance Minister also reflected on some of the key reforms already carried out under the Tinubu administration. He pointed to the move towards a market-based foreign exchange system and the adoption of market-driven petroleum pricing as examples of difficult but necessary steps taken to reposition the economy.
These reforms, he said, were part of broader efforts to restore confidence, improve transparency and create a stronger foundation for investment and productivity.
Nigeria has faced pressure in recent years from high inflation, weak public revenue, foreign exchange shortages, debt servicing costs and rising demands for government spending. The Finance Ministry remains at the centre of efforts to address these challenges while also supporting growth and protecting vulnerable citizens.
Uzoka-Anite, in her response, thanked Edun and the senior management team for the warm reception. She expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in her and said she was ready to contribute to the administration’s economic vision.
She also noted that she had previously worked with Edun in different roles and looked forward to building on that relationship in her new assignment.
The Minister of State said she was committed to working closely with the Finance Minister, the ministry’s leadership and other government agencies to support reforms that could improve economic stability, attract investment and create opportunities for Nigerians.
Her arrival comes at a time when the Federal Government is seeking to deepen reforms across key sectors of the economy. The administration has repeatedly said its goal is to build an economy driven by productivity, private investment, better revenue performance and inclusive growth.
The presence of senior government officials at the reception reflected the importance attached to the ministry’s work. Among those at the event were Lydia S. Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Directors and staff of the ministry were also present, signalling support for the new minister of state as she begins work with the finance team.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is a key partner in the government’s economic plans, especially as Nigeria seeks to raise non-oil revenue and improve tax administration. With revenue generation high on the government’s agenda, coordination between the Finance Ministry and revenue agencies will be central to the administration’s ability to fund public services, infrastructure and development programmes.
The ministry said the gathering showed a shared commitment to building an economy rooted in productivity, investment and fair growth.
Uzoka-Anite’s appointment is expected to support the ministry’s work in policy coordination, fiscal management and reform implementation. Her role will also be important in helping the government communicate its economic priorities at a time when many Nigerians are watching closely to see how reforms affect living costs, jobs and business conditions.
For the Tinubu administration, the challenge remains clear: reforms must not only stabilise the economy on paper but also produce results that citizens and businesses can feel.
With Edun leading the ministry and Uzoka-Anite now joining as Minister of State, the Finance Ministry is expected to play a stronger role in coordinating policies that support recovery, growth and long-term economic resilience.
The welcome event in Abuja was therefore more than a formal reception. It was a signal that the government intends to strengthen its economic team as it continues to push through reforms that will shape Nigeria’s financial and development outlook.
