The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that he has been receiving threats in connection with Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform policy.
Speaking at a governance colloquium held to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Oyedele described the tax reform agenda as facing deep-rooted challenges. These include low public trust in government, weak tax compliance, and limited understanding of the taxation system among citizens.
Oyedele emphasised the urgency of the reforms, noting that Nigeria’s tax revenue remains significantly below that of comparable countries, making intervention not only necessary but unavoidable.
“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, highlighting the personal risks involved in pushing for fiscal changes.
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The committee chairman also stressed that successful tax reform is critical for boosting government revenue, improving public services, and reducing over-reliance on oil earnings. He urged Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at creating a more efficient and transparent tax system.
Oyedele’s comments come amid ongoing efforts by the federal government to implement reforms designed to strengthen compliance, expand the tax base, and enhance the overall fiscal health of the nation. While some have welcomed the reforms, others have reportedly expressed resistance, reflecting the complexities of overhauling a system long plagued by inefficiencies.
By bringing attention to both the challenges and threats associated with tax reform, Oyedele’s disclosure underscores the high stakes involved in reshaping Nigeria’s fiscal policies and the determination of policymakers to push for sustainable change.
