Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has revealed that he receives life threats due to his involvement in Nigeria’s extensive tax reform efforts. He made these statements during a governance colloquium in Abuja honoring Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
At the event, Oyedele highlighted that pushing for reforms that challenge established interests demands significant courage, particularly in a system resistant to change. He remarked, “Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system.”
He identified key challenges such as deep mistrust of government, a weak culture of tax compliance, and a lack of public understanding of fiscal exchanges as major hurdles in implementing these reforms. According to Oyedele, Nigeria’s tax revenue significantly lags behind that of peer countries, making comprehensive reforms essential.
He urged Nigerians who support these changes to vocalize their backing, cautioning that silent dissent allows opponents to dominate public opinion. “Many misunderstand the reforms, believing new taxes are being imposed when, in fact, we are reducing and consolidating existing levies,” he explained.
Highlighting the inherent risks of tax reform, Oyedele stated the need for both political and economic courage. Despite facing online abuse and threats, he stood firm in defending the reform strategy, comparing previous approaches to mere “pain relievers” rather than substantive solutions.
The federal government began enforcing a new tax regime on January 1, 2026, which includes four major laws aimed at overhauling the tax system to achieve long-term fiscal stability. Oyedele remains optimistic about the reform momentum, encouraging Nigerians to stay engaged in the process.
