President Tinubu Appoints Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s New Finance Minister in Pre-Election Cabinet Reshuffle

Abuja — President Bola Tinubu appointed Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on April 21, 2026, replacing Wale Edun, officials said. The appointment followed a cabinet reshuffle ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Oyedele elevated from his previous role as Minister of State for Finance, according to a statement from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy came as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle announced on April 21, 2026, officials said. Oyedele replaced Wale Edun, who was directed to hand over his responsibilities, according to a statement from George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The reshuffle also saw the appointment of Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, sources confirmed.

Taiwo Oyedele was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on March 16, officials said.

Prior to his elevation, Oyedele served as Minister of State for Finance from March 16 to April 21, 2026. He was nominated to that position on March 3, 2026, to replace Doris Uzoka-Anite, records show. The Nigerian Senate confirmed his nomination on March 12 after a screening session that lasted over two hours, during which Oyedele described the nomination as a “call to serve Nigeria,” according to Senate reports. He was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on March 16, officials said. Following the reshuffle, Uzoka-Anite was reassigned as Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.

Born on June 18, 1975, Taiwo Oyedele is a Nigerian economist, accountant, and public policy expert with extensive experience in fiscal management and economic reforms, according to biographical data. At age 50, he previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, where he played a key role in shaping tax policies and fiscal reform strategies, officials noted. His expertise in taxation and fiscal sustainability is expected to influence his priorities as Finance Minister.

Upon his initial swearing-in as Minister of State for Finance, Oyedele outlined key priorities including revenue mobilization, spending efficiency, public debt management, and fiscal sustainability, according to statements from the Presidential Villa. These objectives align with the administration’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal policy framework and improving coordination across government agencies.

The cabinet reshuffle, which also removed Ahmed Dangiwa from his position, was part of a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections to accelerate policy delivery and enhance the government’s economic management, sources said. The changes were officially communicated through government channels and media outlets between April 21 and April 24, 2026.

While no specific date has been disclosed for Oyedele’s formal swearing-in ceremony as Finance Minister, officials confirmed that he assumed the role immediately following the handover directive issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The administration has emphasized the need for a competent economic team capable of driving fiscal reforms and positioning Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth.

The reshuffle reflects the administration’s intent to consolidate gains in fiscal policy and tax reforms initiated under Oyedele’s leadership of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, sources added. His appointment is expected to focus on improving revenue generation, ensuring financial accountability, and managing public debt responsibly to secure long-term fiscal sustainability for Nigeria.