Dalena Reporters l Tuesday, March 3, 2026
ABUJA — Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated economist and tax policy expert Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, a move that signals the administration’s continued focus on implementing sweeping tax reforms across the country.
According to the presidency, Tinubu transmitted Oyedele’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation. If approved, he will replace Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been reassigned as Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, marking another cabinet reshuffle within the administration.
Architect of Nigeria’s Tax Reform Agenda
Oyedele previously served as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he led the design of a controversial overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system. The reform initiative aims to reduce the number of taxes imposed by federal and state authorities from more than 60 to fewer than 10, with the goal of simplifying compliance, encouraging investment and boosting government revenue.
The reforms were introduced as part of Tinubu’s broader economic policy agenda after the administration removed fuel subsidies and implemented currency reforms. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio—around 10.8%—is among the lowest in the world, forcing the government to rely heavily on borrowing to fund national budgets.
Background and Career
Oyedele, an economist, accountant and public policy expert, spent more than two decades at the global consulting firm PwC, where he rose to become Africa Tax Leader and Fiscal Policy Partner. He also serves as a professor at Babcock University and has participated in executive programmes at institutions such as the London School of Economics, Yale University and Harvard Kennedy School.
Controversy Around Tax Reforms
The tax reform programme Oyedele helped design has sparked intense debate across Nigeria. Critics—including lawmakers and business groups have raised concerns about transparency and potential economic impacts, while supporters argue the reforms are necessary to modernize the tax system and improve revenue generation.
Oyedele’s nomination must be confirmed by the Nigerian Senate before he can assume office. Analysts say his appointment could accelerate the government’s push to implement tax changes and restructure Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
The development comes as Tinubu’s administration continues to pursue economic reforms aimed at stabilizing public finances and improving the business environment in Africa’s largest economy.