In a move to inject fresh momentum into his administration’s economic recovery plan, President Bola Tinubu has approved a strategic cabinet reshuffle, resulting in the removal of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa.
The announcement was contained in a memo released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. According to the directive, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele—the renowned tax expert who was appointed Minister of State for Finance just last month—has been promoted to take full charge of the Finance Ministry and the coordination of the national economy.
For the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the President has named Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the Minister-designate. Pending Darma’s official confirmation and swearing-in, the outgoing minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, has been directed to hand over to the Ministry’s Minister of State.
Explaining the rationale behind the sudden changes, the SGF noted that the President’s decision was rooted in the need for “strengthened cohesion and synergy in governance.” The reshuffle is seen as a tactical pivot to ensure more impactful delivery on the economy, particularly as the administration navigates the complexities of its 2026 “Budget of Consolidation.”
“These changes are aimed at achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated. He further emphasized that the President acted in accordance with Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grant him the prerogative to appoint and reorganize his executive team.
The elevation of Taiwo Oyedele is particularly significant. A former partner at PwC and erstwhile Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Oyedele has been the primary architect of Nigeria’s recent tax overhauls. His promotion from Minister of State to the substantive head of the nation’s finances suggests a shift toward more aggressive fiscal reforms and revenue mobilization.
The Presidency has set a strict timeline for the transition. Both Wale Edun and Ahmed Dangiwa are required to conclude all handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials no later than the close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
While thanking the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation, the President hinted that this might not be the last of the changes. The SGF’s statement noted that the process of “cabinet reinvigoration” would remain continuous, keeping current FEC members on their toes as the administration enters a critical phase of its tenure.