Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, on Monday made a bold case for global financial reform and stronger international cooperation, as he represented the country at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Spain.
Speaking at a high-level roundtable on domestic public resource mobilization, Edun spotlighted Nigeria’s sweeping economic reforms, stressing the need for a rebalanced global finance system that reflects the challenges and aspirations of developing nations.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement, quoted the Minister thus,
“In today’s evolving global landscape, self-reliance is essential. We are prioritizing digital infrastructure, transparency, and institutional reform to deliver more for Nigerians with every naira spent,” the Minister told delegates.
He outlined Nigeria’s efforts to improve tax administration, enforce fiscal discipline, and attract private investment—key components of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at restoring economic stability and driving inclusive growth.
Edun also called for greater global collaboration on tax fairness and the fight against illicit financial flows, which continue to undermine the revenue base of many African economies.
“The current international tax architecture often leaves developing countries at a disadvantage. Without stronger global action on illicit finance and equitable taxation, our development goals remain under threat,” he warned.
The summit, organised under the auspices of the United Nations, brought together senior officials from the UN, OECD, European Union, global development banks, and finance ministers from countries such as Nepal, Malawi, and Uruguay.
Observers say Edun’s remarks reaffirm Nigeria’s rising diplomatic voice in shaping international economic policy, while also showcasing its domestic commitment to reform and accountability.
Nigeria’s participation in the global finance dialogue comes at a time when the country is grappling with rising inflation, fiscal pressures, and public demand for economic transformation.
With initiatives such as the digital tax infrastructure, reforms in public finance management, and increased debt transparency, Edun said the government is “building a foundation for sustainable growth driven by innovation, discipline, and global partnership.”
The Minister’s intervention in Sevilla underscores Nigeria’s bid to align national reforms with global development financing agendas, as the country seeks to unlock new pathways for funding education, health, infrastructure, and climate resilience.