President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in Mr Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of State for Finance, praising the former tax reform committee chairman for his dedication, professionalism, and deep knowledge of fiscal policy.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Oyedele took his oath of office before the President.
He now assumes office having served as the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Speaking after the event, President Tinubu described the appointment as a vote of confidence in Oyedele’s abilities, noting that his commitment to duty played a critical role in shaping ongoing efforts to simplify Nigeria’s tax system and expand the country’s revenue base.
“We are very proud of your knowledge, your simplicity, ambition, and excellence,” the President said, addressing the new minister.
Tinubu also acknowledged the personal sacrifices required for the role, congratulating Oyedele’s wife for her support and understanding amid the demands of public service.
“This is additional responsibility, and I hope you will encourage and support him,” the President told her.
Reflecting on Oyedele’s contributions to the tax reform process, President Tinubu noted that his leadership had been instrumental in developing policies designed to create a more business-friendly environment in Nigeria.
“Thank you for accepting to serve your country, especially for reforming the entire tax policy of this country that was obsolete and fundamentally against every progressive thinking,” he said.
The President acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing the role as a demanding one at a time when the country is focused on achieving economic stability.
“It is a very challenging job because we look at the fiscal policy and responsibility that come with it at the time that economic stability is being experienced, but without exponential growth. It’s always very difficult, but you are fit to be there,” Tinubu added.
Oyedele, who hails from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings extensive experience to his new role. He is an economist, accountant, and public policy expert with a 22-year career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he rose to become Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.
His academic credentials include a Higher National Diploma in accountancy and finance from Yaba College of Technology, a BSc in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and executive education from the London School of Economics, Yale University, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Oyedele is also a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.
His appointment as Minister of State for Finance places him in a key position to continue the fiscal reforms initiated under the current administration.
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