Reps Deputy Spokesperson backs Finance Minister on 2025 capital projects delivery

Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has expressed confidence in the ability of Taiwo Oyedele, the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to address delays in the execution of 2025 capital projects and restore momentum to Nigeria’s budget implementation process.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese said President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Oyedele reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen fiscal management and improve efficiency in the nation’s economic governance.

“Let me state clearly that the current delays in capital project implementation should not be misinterpreted as a sign of systemic failure. What we are seeing is that the government of President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive steps to strengthen the economic management team. With the appointment of Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Nigerians can be assured that the economy is in capable hands,” he said.

Agbese described Oyedele as a seasoned fiscal policy expert with extensive experience in tax reform, public finance, and economic advisory, noting that his expertise would help tackle structural bottlenecks slowing budget implementation.

“What distinguishes the new minister is not just his technical competence, but his deep understanding of Nigeria’s fiscal architecture. He has spent years working on tax policy, revenue optimisation and economic reforms, and that experience is exactly what is required at this critical time,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that Oyedele previously chaired the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, where he played a key role in developing frameworks to boost revenue generation and align fiscal policy with national development priorities.

“Mr 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. This is not a trial-and-error appointment; it is a strategic decision grounded in competence and experience,” he added.

Agbese also pointed to Oyedele’s experience across both the public and private sectors, including his advisory role at a global consulting firm, saying it positions him to navigate Nigeria’s economic realities effectively.

According to him, the immediate priority for the new finance minister should be improving capital releases and ensuring budgetary allocations translate into visible development outcomes.

“It is important to emphasise that what Nigerians should expect at this point is not rhetoric, but results. The minister understands the urgency of improving capital releases and ensuring that funds appropriated by the National Assembly are translated into real development outcomes,” he said.

Agbese said the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative support and oversight to aid reforms within the finance ministry.

“As a parliament, we will work closely with the executive to ensure that the necessary frameworks are in place for effective budget implementation. We are confident that under Mr Oyedele’s leadership, the national budget will be brought back on track and aligned with the expectations of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

He expressed optimism that stronger policy direction and institutional support under Oyedele’s leadership would accelerate capital project delivery and improve overall economic governance in the months ahead.