By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday swore in Mr Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, describing his appointment as a vote of confidence in his expertise and dedication to national service.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, where the President commended Oyedele’s professionalism and commitment while serving as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Tinubu said Oyedele played a significant role in coordinating the committee’s work and shaping reforms aimed at simplifying Nigeria’s tax system, expanding the country’s revenue base and creating a more business-friendly economic environment.
“We are very proud of your knowledge, your simplicity, ambition and excellence,” the President said, while congratulating the new minister and acknowledging the support of his family.
He noted that Oyedele’s dedication and deep understanding of fiscal policy made him well suited for the role, particularly at a time when the government is pursuing economic stability and broader fiscal reforms.
According to Tinubu, the new minister had demonstrated patience, determination and a strong commitment to public service while leading efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system, which he described as outdated and in need of modernisation.
“It is a very challenging job because we look at the fiscal policy and responsibility that come with it at a time that economic stability is being experienced, but without exponential growth. It is always difficult, but you are fit to be there,” the President said.
Oyedele, who hails from Ikaram in Akoko area of Ondo State, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert.
He obtained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
He also completed executive education programmes at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Yale University, Gordon Institute of Business Science and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Before his appointment, Oyedele spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he rose to become Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.
He also serves as a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.
The President expressed confidence that Oyedele would bring his wealth of experience to support ongoing fiscal reforms and help strengthen Nigeria’s economic management.
