The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association has commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating Taiwo Oyedele as deputy finance minister.

NECA’s director-general, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, gave the commendation in an interview on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the appointment signalled the government’s readiness to engage professionals with a practical understanding of economic and financial challenges to lead the implementation of the nation’s fiscal policies.

Mr Oyedele, 50, is an economist, accountant, and public policy expert who, prior to his nomination, served as the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

Mr Oyedele had also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a leading global professional services network that provides industry-focused assurance, tax, and advisory services to public and private clients.

He joined PwC in 2001 and rose to become the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader before his appointment to head the tax reform committee.

The NECA boss said Mr Oyedele’s appointment reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s fiscal governance and sustaining ongoing economic and financial reforms.

According to him, sound fiscal leadership is essential to addressing inflationary pressures and improving the overall business operating environment.

He noted that consistent fiscal discipline would also support private sector growth and job creation across key sectors of the economy.

The NECA boss urged the nominee, if appointed, to prioritise stakeholder engagement, strengthen fiscal reforms, contribute to long-term economic stability, and implement the budget.

He reaffirmed NECA’s willingness to work with the government to support reforms that promote sustainable growth and business competitiveness.

On Tuesday, the president nominated Mr Oyedele for the position.

The president’s decision was communicated in a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting the Senate’s confirmation of the nominee.

Mr Oyedele is set to succeed Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as a deputy minister.

If confirmed by the Senate, Mr Oyedele will work alongside finance minister Wale Edun to lead the implementation of the federal government’s fiscal policies and drive the efficiency of Nigeria’s new tax framework.

(NAN)