President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant restructuring within the Federal Ministry of Finance, transferring vital revenue-generation and cash management responsibilities from Wale Edun to Doris Uzoka-Anite. This directive, issued in a presidential memo dated December 10, marks one of the most notable reorganizations of Nigeria’s fiscal framework in recent years.
The reassignment comes amid acute cash-flow challenges faced by the federal government, compounded by a sharp revenue shortfall in 2025. Despite earlier reports from revenue agencies claiming that targets had been met, these assertions have been questioned by senior officials, prompting a crisis in cash management characterized by delayed payments.
In her new role, Uzoka-Anite has been tasked with urgently identifying strategies to bolster federal revenues within a 90-day timeframe. She has already begun a comprehensive review of government cash balances, payment obligations, and revenue flows, holding meetings with officials from the Debt Management Office, the Nigeria Customs Service, and internal cash management units. Uzoka-Anite is also in discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to enhance revenue remittances to the government. Additionally, the president has directed the Attorney General to collaborate with her on tightening oversight of the oil firm.
Despite these proactive measures, officials caution that the outlook for oil revenue in 2026 remains precarious without increased crude oil production and a reduction in leakages. The restructuring has created uncertainty within government circles, as civil servants and private-sector stakeholders who previously consulted Edun for payment approvals must now redirect their inquiries to the Minister of State. Analysts suggest that this disruption reflects deeper structural weaknesses in fiscal coordination, stemming from the separation of the budget office from the finance ministry, a split reinstated under previous administrations amidst current fiscal pressures. Doris Uzoka-Anite, a former bank treasurer and ex-commissioner for finance in Imo State, brings considerable financial expertise to her expanded role, as the government focuses on stabilizing its cash position and restoring confidence in fiscal management during these challenging times.
