A renowned economist and former International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank expert, Dr Ifediora Amobi, has described the economic policy expertise of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, as a national blessing, urging the Federal Government to sustain its reforms while ensuring that their benefits reach ordinary Nigerians.

Amobi, a former adviser during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and a former professor of economics at Howard University, said Oyedele’s appointment reflected President Bola Tinubu’s ability to identify professionals with the technical expertise needed to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

In a statement yesterday, he particularly commended Oyedele’s presentation of the Federal Government’s economic reform scorecard, which outlined the reported fiscal gains, the costs associated with the reforms and the potential economic damage the measures were intended to prevent.

“ The reforms were necessary to reposition the Nigerian economy, but the immediate impact on households and businesses cannot be ignored. What is important now is to sustain the reforms while implementing measures that will provide relief and stimulate economic activity,” Amobi said.

He also praised Oyedele’s contribution to the government’s tax reform programme, noting that improved revenue mobilisation, the closure of fiscal loopholes and stronger accountability were essential to building a more resilient economy.

Amobi urged the minister to prioritise sustainable revenue growth, address fiscal leakages and create incentives for private-sector investment.

According to him, the ultimate test of the reforms would be whether any resulting increase in government revenue translated into better infrastructure, more employment opportunities, improved social services and a more competitive business environment.

He also called for targeted measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians from rising living costs, stressing that improvements in macroeconomic indicators must be accompanied by tangible benefits for citizens.

Oyedele’s professional background includes 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he rose to become fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader. His experience covered taxation, fiscal policy, business strategy and policy design.
Before his appointment to the cabinet, Oyedele chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which developed proposals to simplify taxation, reduce multiple taxation and improve revenue collection. Four tax reform laws were signed in 2025.

His role in the government’s broader economic programme has also included explaining the fiscal implications of petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

In August 2026, Oyedele said the reforms had helped avert a deeper economic crisis, citing improvements in public finances and external stability. These assessments form part of the government’s case for the reforms, although their overall impact on economic conditions and household welfare remains a subject of public debate.

Reuters has reported that investors and international lenders welcomed aspects of the reforms, while Nigerians continued to face significant cost-of-living pressures.

Amobi’s endorsement highlights the importance of technical competence in economic management while underscoring the government’s responsibility to ensure that the benefits of its policies translate into improved living standards.