President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday swore in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as the Minister of State for Finance, describing him as a dedicated professional with the expertise required to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal policy framework.

The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President said the appointment reflected the administration’s confidence in Oyedele’s capacity to support ongoing economic reforms.

Tinubu commended the new minister for his role as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, noting that his leadership had contributed significantly to efforts aimed at modernising Nigeria’s tax system.

According to the President, Oyedele demonstrated professionalism and commitment in coordinating the committee’s work, which focused on simplifying the country’s tax structure, expanding the revenue base, and improving the business environment.

“We are very proud of your knowledge, your simplicity, ambition and excellence,” the President said after administering the oath of office.

Tinubu also acknowledged the sacrifices associated with public service, expressing appreciation to Oyedele’s family for their support.

“This is additional responsibility, and I hope you will encourage and support him,” the President told the new minister’s wife.

The President further praised Oyedele’s determination and dedication to national service, noting that his work on tax reform had addressed policies he described as outdated and inconsistent with progressive economic thinking.

“It didn’t take much for me to decide where you fit and where you need to be to further help with the economy,” Tinubu said, adding that the position comes with significant responsibilities at a time when the country is pursuing fiscal stability and economic growth.

He noted that managing fiscal policy in a period of economic stabilisation without rapid growth remains challenging, but expressed confidence that Oyedele is well suited for the role.

Oyedele, who hails from Ikaram in Akoko area of Ondo State, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert with over two decades of experience in tax policy and fiscal advisory.

He obtained a Higher National Diploma in accountancy and finance from Yaba College of Technology and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom.

The new minister also attended executive education programmes at London School of Economics, Yale University, Gordon Institute of Business Science and Harvard Kennedy School.

Before his appointment, Oyedele spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he joined in 2001 and rose to become Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.

He also serves as a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and as a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

His appointment is expected to strengthen the federal government’s fiscal and tax reform agenda as Nigeria seeks to boost revenue generation and improve economic management.