Senate Confirms Oyedele’s Appointment as Minister

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as a minister under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

During his screening, Oyedele told the lawmakers that his professional journey has been centred on fiscal governance and economic transformation.

“With over two decades of experience working with national governments, multilateral institutions, and global corporations, my journey across the private sector, academia, and public policy has focused on fiscal governance and economic transformation,” the 50-year-old told senators.

“However, this moment is not about personal accomplishments; it is a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”

President Tinubu nominated Oyedele to replace Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was moved to serve as Minister of Budget and National Planning (State).

Days after his nomination, the president forwarded Oyedele’s name to the Red Chamber for confirmation.

At the event, Oyedele praised Tinubu for nominating him as a minister and described his appearance before the Senate as an honour.

“I am deeply honoured to appear before this distinguished chamber today. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me through this nomination, and I thank the Senate for the opportunity to share my vision,” the public policy expert, accountant, and economist told the lawmakers.

Before his appointment, Oyedele served as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he played a key role in the enactment of a new tax regime in Nigeria.

Although he was appointed to the position in July 2023, it took Oyedele and his team over two years to review and reform Nigeria’s tax laws.

Despite initial pushback over the reforms, the new tax laws eventually took effect on January 1, signalling a new phase for Nigeria’s fiscal system.

The laws are aimed at transforming tax administration in the country, boosting revenue generation, improving the business environment, and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.