Drive Economic Transformation, Oyedele Urges Tax Professionals

The minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has challenged tax professionals, academics and emerging leaders to actively contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation by embracing public service and deploying their expertise to support fiscal and economic reforms.

Oyedele gave the charge while receiving students of the Executive Master’s in Taxation (EMT) programme of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja as part of their academic and leadership engagement.

Speaking during the visit, the minister stressed that professionals have a critical role to play in strengthening the country’s fiscal management, public finance and economic governance, describing public service as a vital platform for driving sustainable national development.

Welcoming the delegation, led by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, Oyedele reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to developing a pipeline of highly skilled professionals capable of supporting ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy.

Drawing from his transition from academia and professional practice into public service, the minister underscored the importance of continuous learning, ethical leadership and dedication to national development.

He urged the students to apply the knowledge acquired through their studies to solving practical challenges facing the country and to support reforms that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Oyedele also emphasised that Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity depends on the strength of its institutions rather than individuals, noting that transparency, accountability and professionalism remain essential ingredients for effective governance.

He encouraged the students to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout their careers, stressing that credible institutions are indispensable to achieving lasting economic progress.

The UNILAG delegation congratulated the minister on his appointment and commended his contributions to teaching, mentorship and public service over the years.