The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed that his role in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms has attracted threats to his personal safety.
Oyedele made the revelation on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a governance colloquium held to mark the 50th birthday of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman.
He said efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system have been difficult because they challenge entrenched interests and long-standing practices.
“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.
He noted that the reform process is hampered by low public trust in government, weak tax compliance and poor understanding among citizens of how taxes translate into public services.
According to him, Nigeria’s tax revenue remains significantly lower than that of comparable economies, making comprehensive reforms unavoidable.
Oyedele urged Nigerians who support the reforms to speak out, warning that silence allows opposition voices to dominate public discussions.
He disclosed that the Federal Government began implementing the new tax laws on January 1, 2026, adding that the reforms are anchored on four legislations, including the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025.
Oyedele also identified trust as a major obstacle, stressing that many Nigerians misunderstand the reforms, wrongly believing they introduce new taxes rather than harmonise and reduce existing ones.
Despite the threats and criticism, he said the reforms were necessary, describing previous approaches as temporary fixes. “What we are doing now is surgery. It will come with some pain, but it is the right thing to do,” he said, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s long-term prospects.