President Bola Tinubu has appointed Taiwo Oyedele as the new minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, following the dismissal of Wale Edun from the position on Tuesday, April 21. The change, described as a minor cabinet reshuffle, was announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in a memo. A statement signed by the SGF's spokesperson, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed that Edun has been directed to hand over to his successor, with all processes to be completed by the close of business on Thursday, April 23.
Background of Taiwo Oyedele
Taiwo Oyedele, who previously served as minister of state for finance, brings extensive experience in economics and public policy to his new role. He was nominated by the president in March to replace Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was moved to another ministry. Oyedele, 50, hails from Ikaram-Akoko, Ondo state, and is an economist, accountant, and public policy expert. He holds a Higher National Diploma in accountancy and finance from Yaba College of Technology and a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He has also completed executive education programs at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Oyedele spent 22 years at PwC, joining in 2001 and rising to become Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader. He is a professor at Babcock University in Ogun state and a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School. He previously chaired the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
Reasons for Edun's Dismissal
The presidency did not clearly disclose the reason for Edun's removal, but the SGF stated that the change aims to strengthen cohesion and synergy in governance and achieve more impactful delivery on the economy through the Renewed Hope Agenda. The president exercised his powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) in approving the removal. President Tinubu thanked the outgoing minister for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Public Reactions
Nigerians have reacted to the appointment on social media. @citykush1 praised Oyedele's resilience, saying, "From a mere tax consultant to minister of state finance and now minister of finance. This is a clear example of resilience and staying true to one's professional duty." @FolushoxFolarin noted, "Took long enough. Taiwo Oyedele is now the Minister of Finance and the coordinating Minister of the Economy." @SirJarus congratulated his former boss, adding, "When it comes to competence, knowledge, zeal for progress, and passion for his country, I do not know many people who match Taiwo." @Enwagboso expressed hope that Oyedele will dedicate efforts to improving the economy, while @Ikramah_ASA stated that the appointment was anticipated given Oyedele's role as minister of state.
