Agbese backs Oyedele to drive fiscal reforms, tackle 2025 project delays
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy,
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to reposition Nigeria’s fiscal management and address delays affecting the execution of 2025 capital projects.
The Labour Party lawmaker spoke with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday evening, describing Oyedele’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu as a deliberate effort to restore discipline and efficiency to the country’s budgetary process.
He said delays in the implementation of capital projects should not be interpreted as systemic failure, noting that the administration has taken decisive steps to strengthen its economic management team.
Agbese described Oyedele as a seasoned fiscal policy expert with a strong track record in tax reform, public finance, and economic advisory, positioning him to address structural inefficiencies that have historically hindered budget execution.
According to him, the new minister’s technical expertise is complemented by a deep understanding of Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, built over years of work in tax policy, revenue optimisation, and economic reform.
He further noted that Oyedele previously chaired the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, where he played a key role in developing frameworks aimed at boosting revenue generation and aligning fiscal policies with national development priorities.
“Mr Oyedele has demonstrated, through his previous roles, that he possesses the clarity of thought and intellectual sagacity required to interrogate complex economic challenges and provide practical, results-driven solutions. This is not a trial-and-error appointment; it is a strategic decision grounded in competence and experience,” he said.
The legislator noted that the minister’s background in both the public and private sectors, including his advisory role at a leading global consulting firm, gives him a unique perspective on managing Nigeria’s economic realities.
According to Agbese, the focus of the new finance minister should be to ensure that budgetary allocations are efficiently deployed and that capital projects begin to reflect tangible impact across sectors.
“It is important to emphasise that what Nigerians should expect at this point is not rhetoric, but results. The minister understands the urgency of improving capital releases and ensuring that funds appropriated by the National Assembly are translated into real development outcomes,” he said.
Agbese said the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative backing and oversight to support ongoing reforms within the finance ministry.
“As a parliament, we will work closely with the executive to ensure that the necessary frameworks are in place for effective budget implementation. We are confident that under Mr Oyedele’s leadership, the national budget will be brought back on track and aligned with the expectations of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that the combination of strong leadership, policy clarity, and institutional support would improve the pace of capital project execution in the coming months and strengthen overall economic governance.
