Contractors seek clarity on ministry’s roles
Some concerned contractors handling Federal Government projects have called on the Presidency to clarify the roles in Federal Ministry of Finance, amid uncertainty on mandate of the Minister of State
Some concerned contractors handling Federal Government projects have called on the Presidency to clarify the roles in Federal Ministry of Finance, amid uncertainty on mandate of the Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.
Some of the contractors noted the lack of a clear operational framework is creating confusion in areas relating to funding, cash management, and project execution.
A memo reportedly issued in December assigned a wide range of responsibilities to the Office of Minister of State for Finance, previously held by Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
The roles included oversight of home finance, cash management, Customs, domestic debt management, technical services, revenue generation, and finance development.
However, Oyedele’s appointment raised questions on whether the directive is still in effect or has been modified.
The contractors said they were informed no formal communication has been circulated to clarify the current structure, leaving stakeholders uncertain about the chain of command and decision-making process.
Although Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, is said to maintain a cordial working relationship with Oyedele, his scope of duties remains ambiguous.
A contractor said the uncertainty is affecting confidence among stakeholders.
“We deal directly with the ministry on funding approvals and disbursements, and this lack of clarity is not helpful. We need to know who is responsible for what,” he said.
Another contractor was concerned the situation could disrupt project financing and execution if not addressed.
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He urged the Presidency to provide a statement to ensure transparency, coordination, and stability in the management of public finances.
A minister of state is a junior minister who is deputy to a senior minister, assisting in policy implementation, supervising specific departments, and representing the ministry.
Recent directives have increased their authority to grant administrative approvals and manage agencies.
Ministers of state support his boss in overseeing the ministry, ensuring policies and directives are implemented.
While the senior minister covers the ministry, the minister of state focuses on areas assigned to them by the President or the senior minister.
The Tinubu government is believed to have empowered ministers of state to have more authority over agencies to prevent them from being “ministers in name”.
