ADC Spokesperson Questions Finance Minister’s Capacity to Manage Economy

The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has questioned whether the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has the appropriate educational background to manage Nigeria’s economy.

Abdullahi made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, while discussing the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day reduction in petrol prices.

He argued that decisions on fuel subsidies and broader economic policy were ideological and required an understanding of the country’s economic realities.

“I’m not saying he’s incompetent, but I think he doesn’t have the right education,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that accountants and economists could approach economic issues differently, adding that development economics also offered a distinct perspective on policy choices.

According to him, the country needed people with relevant academic training and expertise to formulate and implement economic policies.

Abdullahi, however, clarified that his comments were not intended as a personal attack on Oyedele, whom he described as intelligent and said he respected.

The ADC spokesperson’s remarks came amid debate over the Federal Government’s plan to offer a 30-day petrol price reduction at filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Oyedele had explained that the initiative was designed to provide temporary relief to Nigerians, particularly transport operators, without reinstating the general petrol subsidy.

The minister described the arrangement as a measure under which the government would sell petrol at cost during the period, rather than return to the previous subsidy regime.

Abdullahi’s comments also came against the backdrop of wider political disagreements over fuel prices, subsidy policy and the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Oyedele holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology and a degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. He previously spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served as a fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader before his appointment as minister.

The debate highlights differing views among political stakeholders over the qualifications and policy approaches considered necessary to manage Nigeria’s economy.