Reps Deputy Spokesperson lauds Oyedele’s appointment as Minister of State for Finance
…says new minister will restore confidence between local contractors and government The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as
…says new minister will restore confidence between local contractors and government
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, saying it as a move that brings renewed hope to the ministry at a critical time for Nigeria’s economy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday nominated Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, replacing Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as Minister of State.
Agbese told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, that the appointment comes amid mounting concerns over the non-payment of local contractors and the absence of capital releases to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), a situation that recently triggered protests by aggrieved indigenous contractors in the Federal Capital Territory.
In recent months, contractors handling federal government projects staged demonstrations at the National Assembly and the Ministry of Finance headquarters, protesting prolonged delays in the settlement of verified certificates for completed jobs.
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Many alleged that the payment backlog had pushed several firms into financial distress, stalled ongoing projects, and resulted in job losses.
The Deputy Spokesperson noted that restoring confidence between contractors and government must be treated as a priority, stressing that the Ministry of Finance plays a pivotal role in addressing funding gaps and improving cash flow management.
He expressed strong confidence in Oyedele’s ability to tackle the challenges, citing his track record in fiscal policy reform, tax administration, and economic advisory roles.
“Oyedele is bringing into office a wealth of experience in public finance and reform implementation. His track record speaks to competence, innovation and accountability. We believe his appointment will inject fresh energy and direction into the Ministry of Finance,” the lawmaker said.
According to him, the new minister’s background in revenue reforms and institutional strengthening positions him to help streamline payment systems, improve transparency, and enhance coordination between the Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, and other relevant agencies.
He added that the credibility and professionalism associated with Oyedele’s career would help rebuild trust among local contractors who have expressed frustration over delayed payments under the leadership of the outgoing Minister of State for Finance.
“When contractors execute projects in good faith and are not paid on time, it weakens confidence in the system. We are optimistic that with Oyedele’s experience and reform-minded approach, we will begin to see improvements in fiscal discipline and responsiveness,” he stated.
Agbese said the appointment signals the administration’s commitment to strengthening economic governance and ensuring that public financial management aligns with global best practices.
“This appointment brings a renewed sense of hope to the Ministry of Finance. We believe the new Minister of State will work collaboratively with the economic management team to restore confidence, improve efficiency, and ensure that government meets its obligations,” he said.
The lawmaker assured that the House of Representatives would continue to provide legislative support and oversight to promote transparency in public expenditure and ensure the timely release of funds for critical projects.
He also urged local contractors to remain constructive in their engagement with government, expressing confidence that under the new leadership at the ministry, steps would be taken to resolve outstanding issues and create a more predictable environment for indigenous contractors to thrive.
Describing the appointment as a step in the right direction, the Deputy Spokesperson called on stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure sectors to cooperate with the new minister in advancing sustainable economic progress.