Tinubu Removes Uzoka-Anite, Appoints Taiwo Oyedele After Budget Hearing Controversy
By Momodu Favour
President Bola Tinubu has removed Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite as Minister of State for Finance and appointed Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as her replacement in a minor cabinet reshuffle that has sent shockwaves through the political space.
The development comes days after a tense budget defence session at the National Assembly, during which Hon. Alex Mascot raised concerns over an alleged “missing” N1.15 trillion in fiscal records a claim that has since sparked intense public debate and heightened scrutiny of the Ministry of Finance.
Although the Presidency has not officially linked Uzoka-Anite’s removal to the controversy, political observers say the timing of the decision suggests a direct response to the issues raised during the hearing.
Sources within government circles indicate that the President acted swiftly to “protect the integrity of ongoing fiscal reforms” and to reinforce accountability within the nation’s financial management framework.
Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who has now been appointed to replace Uzoka-Anite, is widely known for his role as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at deepening tax reforms, improving revenue generation, and strengthening transparency in public finance.
Oyedele, a respected tax expert and former fiscal policy adviser, has been at the forefront of efforts to redesign Nigeria’s tax system to expand the revenue base and reduce leakages.
The alleged N1.15 trillion discrepancy surfaced during a heated exchange at the budget defence session, where lawmakers demanded clarifications over revenue projections and remittances. Hon. Alex Mascot insisted that inconsistencies in the presented documents required urgent investigation to ensure public funds are properly accounted for.
The controversy has added to mounting pressure on the federal government to demonstrate stronger oversight of public finances amid economic challenges, rising debt obligations, and ongoing subsidy reforms.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the financial and economic sectors have described Oyedele’s appointment as potentially stabilising, noting that his experience in fiscal policy design could help rebuild confidence in the ministry.
The Presidency is expected to issue a detailed statement outlining the scope of the reshuffle and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the minister’s exit.
Uzoka-Anite, who previously served as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment before her redeployment to the finance ministry, has yet to publicly respond to her removal.
Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical as the new minister settles into office and addresses the concerns raised at the National Assembly, particularly regarding the alleged revenue gap and broader fiscal accountability measures.
