After being sworn in at the Presidential Villa on Monday, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has taken on his new responsibilities.
During a welcome ceremony held in his honor, Edun addressed the ministry’s staff members and emphasized the need to make sure President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are successful.
According to the former commissioner for finance of Lagos State, the staff’s responsibility is to ease Nigerians’ suffering and make sure that the country’s economy is strong for all of its citizens.
The newly appointed minister gave orders to the ministry’s staff to make every effort to assist society’s most marginalized and needy people.
To ensure that Nigeria is on the path to quick, sustained, and inclusive growth, Edun also urged cooperation with the staff.
He said: “The expectations of Nigerians are heightened. Mr President has already set the ball rolling to put Nigeria on the course that will take it to rapid, sustained, and inclusive growth.
“He has taken key macro monetary policy measures and fiscal policy measures. He has changed the economy of Nigeria already.
“However, it has come with the initial pain that comes from correction, and it is our duty to help him to ensure that the pain is minimised and his period is shortened.
“That everything that can be done to help the most vulnerable, to help the poorest in society. When we look at the price of fuel N617 per litre, look at the price of bread; I suppose it depends on the size, but at least it’s N1000.
“We know that we have a job to do, of making sure that these reforms do not leave people behind.
“You’re all talented; you’re good. There’s huge talent here, and there’s a huge expectation.
“I’ve had interaction, whether it’s through the Presidential Transition Council. I’ve had interactions with finance, with the SGS office in virtually the whole of the civil service in one way or the other. I’ve seen the ability to perform.
“I’ve seen the digitalisation, the automation and the use of technology. So, you can do it. I will just like to say let us work together as a team to achieve.”