President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday swore in Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, commending his experience, professionalism and dedication to public service.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President described Oyedele’s appointment as a vote of confidence in his competence and commitment to national development.
Tinubu praised the new minister for his leadership as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, noting that his expertise in tax policy has played a significant role in shaping reforms aimed at simplifying Nigeria’s tax system, broadening the revenue base and creating a more business-friendly environment.
“We are very proud of your knowledge, your simplicity, ambition and excellence,” the President said, while also acknowledging the support of Oyedele’s family. Addressing the minister’s wife, Tinubu commended her for her understanding of the demands of public service and the long hours often required.
He further lauded Oyedele’s zeal, patience and determination to serve the country, expressing confidence in his ability to manage the responsibilities associated with fiscal policy at a critical time for the nation’s economy.
“It is a very challenging job because we look at fiscal policy and the responsibilities that come with it at a time when economic stability is being experienced, but without exponential growth. It is always difficult, but you are fit to be there,” the President stated.
Oyedele, an economist, accountant and public policy expert from Ikaram in Akoko area of Ondo State, previously built a distinguished career in the private sector. He spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), joining the firm in 2001 and rising to become Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.
He holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
Oyedele has also undertaken executive education programmes at institutions including the London School of Economics and Political Science, Yale University, Gordon Institute of Business Science and the Harvard Kennedy School.
In addition to his policy work, he serves as a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and as a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.
