Finance Minister seeks staff support to deliver on assigned duties

Edun, who acknowledged the President’s vision of inclusivity and a gender-friendly administration, stated, “I am extremely happy to be in the Ministry. I am privileged to serve as the Minister of Finance, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Chairman of the Forum of African Ministers of Finance.”

He noted that the task was enormous and that he couldn’t accomplish it alone without the support of the management team and the commitment of the staff.

He assured that staff welfare would be a top priority to alleviate their suffering. He disclosed that plans were underway for the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease the suffering of Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies. He stressed that with CNG buses, Nigerians would pay less for transportation.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Okokon Udo, appreciated the Minister for his inaugural meeting with the staff and pledged the full support of the management and staff of the Ministry for his success.

He noted that the meeting was a “veritable platform for interaction,” adding that its purpose was to “exchange ideas, express feelings, engage in constructive dialogue, and discuss the way forward.”

Udo mentioned that the Ministry provides a conducive working environment for effective and efficient service delivery.

The Joint Union Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Attahiru, officially welcomed the Minister and stated that the Minister had broken the jinx by holding this interactive session. He added that the interactive meeting had been a longstanding desire of the trade union.

He expressed confidence in the Minister’s abilities, based on his track record, and promised their full support. Some of the issues the union wanted the Minister to address included the provision of additional staff buses, payment of promotion arrears, continuous staff training, and improved welfare packages, among other concerns.

In a vote of thanks, the Representative of the Joint Union Congress, Josephine Amauwa, commended the Minister for taking time out of his busy schedule for the meeting. She emphasized that the staff, management, and the Ministry’s unions warmly welcomed the Minister to the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Amauwa added that, given the Minister’s past achievements, he is seen as a father figure, credible, and trustworthy. She further pledged their support for his success in the Ministry.