President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of State for Finance. The nomination was sent to the Senate for confirmation through a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The appointment comes with a change in the role of Dr Doris Uzoka Anite, who previously served as Minister of State for Finance. She will now move to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, where she will serve as Minister of State. The new assignment marks her third portfolio within the current administration. According to the presidency, the nomination was formally communicated to the Senate on Tuesday as part of adjustments within the federal cabinet.
Background of the Nominee
Taiwo Oyedele is widely known for his work in economic policy and taxation. Before this nomination, he served as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The committee carried out major work on Nigeria’s tax structure with the aim of improving the country’s revenue system. Oyedele, who is 50 years old, is from Ikaram in Akoko area of Ondo State. He is trained in economics and accounting and has built a career in finance, taxation, and public policy.
Education and Academic Career
Oyedele studied at Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance. He later attended Oxford Brookes University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Accounting. He also attended executive education programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Beyond public policy work, Oyedele has been involved in teaching and research. He serves as a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and is also a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.
Professional Experience
Oyedele spent more than two decades working at the global consulting firm PwC. He joined the company in 2001 and rose through the ranks during his 22 year career. Before leaving the firm, he served as Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader. His work in taxation and fiscal policy has made him one of the well known voices in Nigeria’s economic policy discussions. The Senate is expected to review the nomination and decide whether to confirm him for the ministerial role.
