Tax Reform Is Risky but Necessary — “I Get Threats Over Nigeria’s New Tax Laws,” Says Oyedele
Nigeria’s ongoing tax overhaul has come at a personal cost for the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who has disclosed that the reform process has exposed him to credible threats to his safety.
Oyedele made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a governance colloquium held to commemorate the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. PulseNets learnt that the event brought together senior policymakers, technocrats, and governance advocates.
While addressing participants, Oyedele openly acknowledged the dangers that come with attempting to dismantle deeply entrenched systems, especially reforms that threaten long-standing vested interests.
“Reforms are never easy, and tax reforms are even tougher. They demand courage. I get threatened simply because I am trying to repair a system that is clearly broken,” he stated.
PulseNets obtained that he identified several structural obstacles confronting the reform agenda, including widespread distrust in government, weak tax compliance, and limited public understanding of how taxes translate into public goods and services.
According to Oyedele, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains significantly lower than that of peer economies, a situation that makes comprehensive reform inevitable rather than optional.
He called on Nigerians who support the reforms to be more vocal, warning that allowing critics to dominate public conversations could undermine progress.
PulseNets reported that the Federal Government officially began implementing the new tax framework on January 1, 2026.
The reforms, he explained, are driven by four principal legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025.
Trust, Oyedele emphasized, remains one of the most significant impediments to success.
“Trust in government—and even within government itself—is extremely low,” he observed, adding that Nigeria’s weak tax culture has left many citizens unclear about their tax obligations.
He further pointed to a persistent communication gap, noting that many Nigerians mistakenly believe the reforms are introducing fresh taxes rather than simplifying and harmonising existing ones.
“There is now a sudden national awareness, and people say government has come again with taxes everywhere. In reality, what is happening is a reduction of multiple taxes people were already paying and a proper harmonisation of the system,” Oyedele explained.
Speaking further, he stressed that implementing the reforms requires uncommon bravery and strong political resolve.
“You must have the courage to push through and to take risks, because this process is very risky,” he said, referencing the political, economic, and reputational consequences involved.
Despite facing threats and sustained online criticism, Oyedele told PulseNets that the current reform strategy remains unavoidable.
Also Read: Reps Demands Suspension of Tax Reform Laws Over Alleged Alterations
“For most of my adult life, what we did with the tax system was apply painkillers. It never took us far,” he said.
“Painkillers won’t solve it. What we are doing now is surgery. Yes, it will hurt, but it is the only correct solution.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, describing the reforms as the most meaningful progress he has witnessed in decades and urging sustained commitment to ensure lasting impact.
