The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has called for groundbreaking reforms and smarter financing strategies during the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Governors’ Retreat in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
His advocacy is coming now that Nigeria is dedicated to reshaping development financing to meet the demands of a changing global economy.
Speaking to key stakeholders at the retreat, Mr. Edun emphasized the need for transformative, high-impact investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, rail, and energy.
The Director of information and public relations Muhammed Manga in a statement quoted Edun to have urged the IsDB to prioritize initiatives with robust returns, ensuring sustainability while fostering economic growth.
The Honourable Minister emphasized the need for the IsDB to rethink its approach to development financing in response to current economic realities.
He called for transformative, high-impact projects in infrastructure, agriculture, rail, and energy, urging the bank to focus on investments with strong returns to ensure sustainable financing.
Edun also highlighted the importance of innovative funding solutions tailored towards national priorities and debt dynamics, stressing the urgent need for a concessional financing strategy that balances development goals with minimal debt accumulation.
The retreat also featured key contributions from Algeria’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Governors, H.E. Laaziz Faid, and Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister, H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who opened the discussions.
Responding to the bank’s call for input, Edun also stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to evaluate the real impact of the bank’s initiatives. His remarks reflected Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the IsDB’s role in delivering greater results for its member states.
The retreat served as a forum for governors to provide ideas and feedback on the IsDB’s 10-year strategy (2026–2035), which aims to chart a clear path for addressing pressing development challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape.
As the IsDB embarks on its new 10-year strategy, Edun’s advocacy for innovative financing, bold reforms, and robust monitoring underscores Nigeria’s dedication to driving transformative change and sustainable development in the region. The collaborative efforts of the IsDB and its member states will be crucial in achieving this vision and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

***Urges Top Management Staff to Collaborate for National Growth

In a renewed bid to revitalize Nigeria’s economy, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has called on the Ministry’s top management staff to leverage their expertise in implementing the country’s ambitious economic reforms.
Speaking during the assumption of office by the new Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, Edun underscored the need for teamwork and collaboration to achieve the government’s developmental objectives.
The director of of Information and Public Relations, Muhammed Manga in a statement quoted the minister to have highlighted that the reforms led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are geared toward improving the quality of life for Nigerians, with a focus on sustainable growth and development.

Edun further expressed appreciation for the contributions of Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, commending her unwavering support in driving the nation’s economic agenda.

“We must work together to manage the nation’s finances in an open, transparent, accountable, and efficient manner that delivers on our developmental priorities,” said Edun. His remarks come as the Ministry embarks on its key role in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory.
Responding to the call, Mr. Raymond Omachi, pledged to support the Ministry’s leadership while emphasizing the importance of communication, innovation, and hard work in achieving the set goals. “We will operate an open-door policy, encouraging ideas and innovations to improve our service delivery,” Omachi said, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the economic reforms.

With this shared vision of unity and progress, the Federal Ministry of Finance is set to play a crucial role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens, fulfilling the promises of the current administration.

In a bid to enhance national productivity through a healthier workforce, the Federal Ministry of Finance has intensified efforts to prioritize workplace wellness and safety as a strategic investment in human capital development.

The Ministry hosted a one-day sensitization workshop focused on equipping staff with tools to manage workplace hazards, reduce stress, and promote mental and physical health.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement issued on Tuesday indicated that the initiative is to confirm the Ministry’s recognition of employee wellbeing as a cornerstone for achieving institutional excellence and effective service delivery.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, represented by the Director of Special Projects, Hajiya Aisha Omar, emphasized that safeguarding staff health goes beyond regulatory compliance. She described it as a deliberate strategy to build resilience and sustain high performance in the Ministry’s operations.

A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Our commitment is not just to meet standards but to create an environment where staff can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development, she stated.

The workshop addressed key themes, including ergonomic practices, stress management, mental health awareness, and emergency response protocols. Expert facilitators provided practical tips and strategies to ensure a safer and more productive work environment.

Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Olusola Dada, lauded the initiative, expressing confidence that the insights shared would empower staff to take responsibility for their health, both at work and in their personal lives.

The sensitization programme reinforces the Ministry’s broader agenda of strengthening public sector efficiency by investing in workforce wellbeing, recognizing that healthier employees are pivotal to achieving fiscal stability and sustainable economic growth.