The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The confirmation was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after lawmakers approved the nomination through a voice vote during the Committee of the Whole session at the National Assembly.
Oyedele is expected to replace Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been reassigned to serve as Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.
The confirmation followed an extensive screening session that lasted more than two hours, during which senators questioned the nominee on fiscal policy, economic reforms and Nigeria’s revenue challenges.
Addressing lawmakers during the screening, Oyedele described his nomination as a call to national service at a time when the country faces significant fiscal pressures.
“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,” Oyedele 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.”
The 50-year-old public policy expert also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the nomination and thanked the Senate for the opportunity to present his vision for Nigeria’s fiscal future.
“I am deeply honoured to appear before this distinguished chamber. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in me through this nomination, and I thank the Senate for the opportunity to share my vision,” he said.
President Tinubu had earlier forwarded Oyedele’s name to the Senate for confirmation shortly after announcing the nomination.
Before his appointment, Oyedele served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he led efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system.
Although he was appointed to the role three years ago, it took more than two years for the committee to review and restructure the country’s tax laws.
The new tax regime, which eventually took effect early this year, is aimed at transforming tax administration in Nigeria, boosting government revenue, improving the business environment and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.