Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, says efforts must be made to ensure President Bola Tinubu‘s economic reforms are effective.
Edun spoke during a welcome ceremony held in his honour by the ministry’s members of staff, in Abuja on Monday.
Addressing the directors and permanent secretaries in the ministry, the former Lagos commissioner for finance said their duty was to reduce the pains of Nigerians.
Edun also called for collaboration, adding that there was so much work to be done.
“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,” the minister said.
“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 that 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 (we the director of ICT here). So, you can do it. I will just like to say let us work together as a team to achieve.”
Edun, who took over from Zainab Ahmed, former minister of finance, was inaugurated into office on Monday alongside 44 other ministers.
