I Receive Threats Over Tax Reform Implementation — Taiwo Oyedele
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that his involvement in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform agenda has exposed him to serious threats to his personal safety.
Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a governance colloquium organised to commemorate the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Addressing participants at the event, Oyedele described tax reform as one of the most challenging forms of governance intervention, noting that efforts to correct entrenched systems often provoke resistance from powerful interests.
“Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” he said.
He explained that Nigeria’s reform efforts face deep-rooted obstacles, including low public trust in government, poor tax compliance, and a limited understanding among citizens about the link between taxes paid and public services delivered.
According to Oyedele, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains significantly lower than that of comparable economies, making comprehensive reform not only necessary but inevitable.
He urged Nigerians who support the reform agenda to actively engage in public discourse, warning that silence enables opponents to dominate the narrative.
Oyedele disclosed that the Federal Government began implementing the new tax laws on January 1, 2026, describing the reforms as a turning point in Nigeria’s fiscal management.
The tax reform framework is anchored on four major legislations:
Nigeria Tax Act 2025
Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025
Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025
Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025
He identified trust as one of the most critical challenges confronting the reform process.
“The trust in government and within government is very low,” Oyedele said, adding that Nigeria’s weak tax culture has left many citizens unaware of their tax obligations.
The tax reform chairman also pointed to a major communication gap, noting that many Nigerians mistakenly believe the reforms introduce additional taxes, rather than streamline and reduce multiple levies.
“Suddenly, there is national awareness, and people say the government has brought taxes everywhere, when in reality what is happening is a reduction and harmonisation of taxes they were already paying,” he explained.
Oyedele stressed that implementing the reforms requires courage, political will, and a willingness to take risks, given the political, economic, and reputational consequences involved.
“You need the courage to push through. It’s very risky,” he said.
Despite facing threats and online criticism, Oyedele maintained that the current reform strategy is unavoidable, likening it to a necessary but painful medical procedure.
“What we have been doing with the tax system all my adult life was like a pain reliever. It didn’t take us far.
Now we are doing the surgery. It will come with pain, but it is the right thing to do.”
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the current reforms as the most meaningful progress he has witnessed and calling for sustained commitment to achieve lasting results.