Taiwo Oyedele, newly sworn-in Minister of State for Finance, on Monday, pledged to give his best in supporting the federal government’s fiscal reforms and economic management efforts.

Mr Oyedele made the pledge shortly after taking the oath of office before President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He described the opportunity to serve the country at the highest level as a privilege, especially at a critical period in Nigeria’s economic development.

“I think the reward for doing a good job is more work, and it is always a privilege to have the opportunity to serve your country, especially at the highest level,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the president for the trust reposed in him and also thanked Nigerians and stakeholders who supported the tax reforms he previously worked on.

According to him, reforms are meaningful only when they are properly implemented and translated into concrete outcomes that benefit citizens.

“Reforms are only as good as the paper on which they are written. What is really important is the diligent execution, moving from policy formulation to implementation,” he added.

Mr Oyedele assured that he would give his best in carrying out the responsibilities of the new office.

“One thing I can promise the President and the Nigerian people is that I will give my very best at every point in time,” he said.

He expressed confidence that with the support of the leadership and professional team at the Ministry of Finance, the government would be able to overcome existing challenges.

He said that the ministry’s priorities will align with the broader economic agenda of the government, particularly revenue mobilisation and fiscal sustainability.

“The priorities are those of the government and the country, particularly around revenue mobilisation to meet increasing public demands on the treasury at both federal and sub-national levels,” he noted.

He also emphasised the need for improved spending efficiency to ensure optimal value from public revenues.

“For every naira we earn, we must optimise the value we obtain from it to meet the needs of our people,” he said.

He further highlighted debt management and fiscal sustainability as critical components of the government’s economic strategy.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, who accompanied Mr Oyedele to the ceremony, commended the president for the appointment.

He described Mr Oyedele as one of the best professionals in the country, with extensive experience in fiscal and tax reforms.

He said appointing Mr Oyedele to help implement the government’s reforms demonstrated the president’s commitment to competence and effective economic management.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also expressed appreciation to the president for considering Ondo in the appointment and strengthening the state’s representation in the Federal Executive Council. 

(NAN)