Tax reform: I faced de.ath threats – Taiwo Oyedele

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed that he has faced threats to his life due to his role in implementing Nigeria’s major tax reforms

Oyedele spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during a governance colloquium marking the 50th birthday of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman.

He highlighted that pushing reforms that challenge entrenched interests requires exceptional courage in a system historically resistant to change.

“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 identified low public trust, weak tax compliance, and poor understanding of fiscal exchange as major obstacles, noting that Nigeria’s tax revenue lags far behind peer countries, making comprehensive reforms necessary.

Oyedele urged Nigerians who support the reforms to speak out, warning that silence allows opponents to dominate the conversation. He explained that misconceptions about the reforms have led many to believe new taxes are being imposed, when in fact existing levies are being reduced and harmonised.

“Implementing these reforms carries significant political, economic, and reputational risks. You need courage to push through,” he said, describing the changes as a surgical fix rather than the temporary solutions of the past.

Despite online abuse and personal threats, Oyedele defended the reforms, emphasizing that the current strategy is essential for long-term fiscal stability. “What we have been doing all my adult life with the tax system was a pain reliever. Now we’re doing the surgery. It will come with pain, but it is the only right thing to do,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the country’s direction, calling the current reform momentum unprecedented and urging Nigerians to remain committed to achieving sustainable fiscal progress.

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