The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, today highlighted the essential role of Nigeria’s civil service in executing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious macroeconomic reforms. Speaking at the launch of the Federal Civil Service Policies and Guidelines, alongside the celebration of Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack’s 100 days in office as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Edun described the civil service as the backbone of national progress.
Addressing attendees at the Federal Ministry of Finance auditorium, Edun outlined the government’s reform agenda, which focuses on reducing inflation, spurring economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty. “You are the implementers,” he said, stressing that the success of these reforms rests on the competence, discipline, and determination of civil servants.
Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead, Edun acknowledged the initial discomfort caused by the removal of subsidies but emphasized that these reforms have unlocked vital resources—equivalent to 5% of Nigeria’s GDP—that will be reinvested in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, all of which are essential for sustainable development.
The Minister also underscored Nigeria’s shift from a rent-seeking economy to one focused on value creation. He pointed to growth opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and exports, with Nigerian products gaining increasing recognition across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). “The country is undergoing a transformative shift,” Edun remarked. “The opportunities now favour those who leverage their skills, knowledge, and energy to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.”
In conclusion, Edun reiterated the vital role of the civil service in achieving these transformative goals. He praised Mrs. Walson-Jack’s leadership, describing her agenda as a blueprint for a modern, technology-driven civil service that supports the administration’s objectives. “Your role is critical,” he affirmed, “and your contributions are key to ensuring the success of Nigeria’s transformation agenda.”
4o mini
