TAIWO Oyedele has described his nomination as Minister of State for Finance as an opportunity to serve the nation at a crucial time.
Speaking during his screening before the Senate today, Oyedele said Nigeria is currently facing major fiscal challenges but also stands at a moment filled with promising opportunities.
The 50-year-old economist and public policy expert noted that his professional journey, spanning more than two decades, has involved working with national governments, global corporations, and multilateral institutions.
According to him, his experience across the private sector, academia, and public policy has been largely focused on strengthening fiscal governance and driving economic transformation.
He told lawmakers that the nomination goes beyond personal achievements and represents a responsibility to contribute to the country’s progress.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Oyedele to replace Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was recently reassigned as Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.
Following the nomination, the president forwarded Oyedele’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
During the screening, Oyedele expressed gratitude to the president for the confidence placed in him and described the opportunity to appear before the Senate as a great honour.
He also thanked lawmakers for allowing him to present his vision for the role.
The nominee added that his involvement in global reforms focused on improving the ease of doing business and tax systems in over 180 countries has equipped him with insights that could benefit Nigeria’s economic framework.
Before his nomination, Oyedele served as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Under his leadership, the committee spearheaded the development of Nigeria’s new tax regime.
Although the reform process faced initial resistance, the new tax laws eventually took effect on January 1, ushering in what officials describe as a new phase for Nigeria’s tax administration.
The reforms aim to strengthen revenue generation, create a more favourable business environment, and attract both domestic and foreign investments.
