The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has expressed strong confidence in the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele. Agbese stated that Oyedele possesses the competence and experience needed to restore efficiency to Nigeria's budget process and fast-track the delivery of 2025 capital projects.
Agbese made these remarks while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday evening. He described President Bola Tinubu's appointment of Oyedele as a deliberate and strategic move aimed at strengthening the nation's economic management team. According to the Labour Party lawmaker, recent delays in capital project implementation should not be seen as evidence of systemic failure but rather as part of a broader effort by the administration to reposition the economy for long-term stability.
Tinubu's Appointment Signals Economic Discipline
Agbese said the appointment of Oyedele reflects the President's commitment to restoring discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in Nigeria's fiscal management. He emphasized that the current delays in capital project implementation should not be misinterpreted as a sign of systemic failure. Instead, the government has taken decisive steps to strengthen the economic management team.
He described Oyedele as a seasoned fiscal policy expert whose deep knowledge of tax reform, public finance, and economic strategy makes him well-positioned to address long-standing structural challenges affecting budget implementation.
Clarity of Thought and Intellectual Sagacity
Agbese stressed that what sets the new finance minister apart is not only his technical expertise but also his deep understanding of Nigeria's fiscal architecture and policy environment. He noted that Oyedele had spent years working on tax policy, revenue optimization, and economic reforms, adding that such experience is exactly what Nigeria needs at this critical period.
The lawmaker also referenced Oyedele's leadership of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, where he played a major role in developing frameworks aimed at boosting government revenue and aligning fiscal policies with national development goals. Agbese stated that 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.
He emphasized that this is not a trial-and-error appointment but a strategic decision grounded in competence and experience.
Focus Must Shift to Results, Not Rhetoric
Agbese further noted that Oyedele's background across both the public and private sectors, including his advisory role at a leading global consulting firm, gives him a strong advantage in managing Nigeria's current economic realities. He said Nigerians are now expecting visible results, especially in the area of capital project execution, where delays have raised concerns across sectors.
According to him, the minister's immediate focus should be on ensuring efficient capital releases and making sure funds approved by the National Assembly translate into real development outcomes. He stressed that what Nigerians should expect at this point is not rhetoric, but results.
National Assembly Pledges Legislative Support
Agbese assured that the National Assembly would continue to provide the legislative backing and oversight required to support reforms within the Ministry of Finance. He said lawmakers are prepared to work closely with the executive arm to ensure proper budget implementation and stronger accountability.
He stated that as a parliament, they will work closely with the executive to ensure that the necessary frameworks are in place for effective budget implementation. He expressed confidence that under Oyedele's leadership, the national budget will be brought back on track and aligned with the expectations of ordinary Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that stronger leadership, policy clarity, and institutional cooperation would improve the pace of capital project execution in the coming months and strengthen Nigeria's overall economic governance.
Tinubu Approves 2026 Budget, Pushes 2025 Implementation
In related news, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, setting total government spending at ₦68.32 trillion. The President also approved an extension of the 2025 budget implementation timeline to June 30, 2026, as confirmed by a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
