The Federal Government has inaugurated a 15-member Ministerial Advisory Committee to strengthen economic policymaking, improve policy coordination and accelerate the implementation of ongoing fiscal and economic reforms.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by the Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy It is chaired by Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Sterling Bank Managing Director, and comprises leading economists, business executives, policy experts and private sector representatives.
Speaking at the inauguration, Oyedele said the advisory body would provide independent, evidence-based recommendations to help government anticipate economic risks, improve policy execution and ensure reforms translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
He noted that Nigeria’s complex economic challenges require perspectives beyond those available within government institutions. “Nigeria’s economic landscape is intricate, and our fiscal space is constrained. Every policy decision affects multiple stakeholders in ways that are not always predictable,” he said.
According to the minister, the committee is expected to evaluate the broader impact of government policies, identify emerging risks before they become crises, draw on international best practices and provide feedback on how reforms are affecting businesses and communities.
He stressed that the committee would serve strictly in an advisory capacity and would neither assume executive responsibilities nor duplicate the functions of existing government institutions. “Your role is simply to advise. Your independent perspective will strengthen our decisions and help us remain focused on achieving results,” Edun added.
The minister outlined four key areas that will guide the committee’s work:
- Economic policy advisory: Providing data-driven recommendations to support economic growth, job creation, productivity and revenue generation.
- Public financial management: Strengthening fiscal discipline through improved revenue mobilisation, prudent expenditure management, responsible borrowing and greater transparency.
- Economic coordination: Enhancing collaboration among ministries, government agencies, state governments and the private sector to improve policy implementation.
- Inclusive economic growth: Ensuring reforms lead to measurable improvements in living standards and deliver real benefits to Nigerians.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Abubakar Suleiman assured the government that members would focus on delivering practical, actionable recommendations rather than lengthy reports.
He said the committee would provide strategic thinking that complements the ministry’s day-to-day responsibilities. “Our job is to free you to continue running the ministry while we focus on emerging issues that may not yet be on the table,” Suleiman said.
He added that the committee would engage with citizens and businesses to understand where economic reforms are working and where policy adjustments may be needed.
The advisory committee comprises experts drawn from academia, finance, manufacturing and the private sector. Members include Dr. Ayo Teriba, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, Chinyere Almona, Vincent Nwani, Segun Oloketuyi, Jide Adeola, Dimeji Salaudeen, Damilola Akinbami, Idris Belo-Osagie, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, Segun Ajayi-Kadri, Prof. Joseph Nnanna, Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa and Dr. Baba Yusuf Musa.
The Federal Government said the committee will support efforts to sustain economic reforms, strengthen fiscal management and promote inclusive economic growth.
