Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms have exposed him to threats against his personal safety.
Oyedele disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a governance colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
He said reforming deeply rooted systems often attracts resistance, especially when powerful interests feel threatened.
“Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” Oyedele said.
Oyedele identified low public trust in government as one of the biggest obstacles facing the reform agenda. He said weak tax compliance and poor understanding of civic responsibility have worsened the challenge.
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According to him, many Nigerians do not see a clear link between the taxes they pay and the public services they receive.
He noted that Nigeria’s tax revenue remains far below that of similar economies, making reform unavoidable.
The tax reform chairman urged Nigerians who support the new laws to speak up. He warned that silence gives room for misinformation and opposition voices to dominate the debate.
“If you believe in what we are doing, you have to speak up,” he said.
New Tax Laws Take Effect
Oyedele confirmed that the Federal Government began implementing the new tax laws on January 1, 2026.
He explained that the reforms rest on four major pieces of legislation:
- Nigeria Tax Act 2025
- Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025
- Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025
- Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025
He described the laws as a foundation for a more efficient and transparent tax system.
Oyedele said poor communication has fuelled public misunderstanding about the reforms. Many citizens, he explained, wrongly believe the government introduced new taxes.
He stressed that the reforms aim to reduce multiple levies and harmonise existing taxes, not impose additional burdens.
“People say the government has come with taxes everywhere. In reality, we are reducing what people pay and harmonising the system,” he said.
Oyedele acknowledged that pushing through the reforms comes with political and personal risks. He said strong political will and personal courage remain essential.
“You need courage to push through. The risks are real,” he said.
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Despite threats and online attacks, he insisted that Nigeria must abandon half-measures.
“For years, we used pain relievers on the tax system. They never solved the problem,” he said.
“Now we are doing surgery. It will hurt, but it is the right thing to do.”
Oyedele expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future. He described the ongoing tax reforms as the most significant progress he has seen in the country’s fiscal history.
He called for sustained commitment, saying long-term success depends on trust, transparency, and public engagement.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
