Tax Reform Chief Says He Has Been Threatened Over New Laws, Urges Public Support
Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has revealed that he has received threats to his life in connection with his role implementing Nigeria’s ambitious tax overhaul. His comments highlight the deep tensions surrounding the reform programme, which began taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at a governance colloquium in Abuja organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. He described tax reform as a difficult and risky undertaking in a system long resistant to significant change.
“Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder,” Oyedele said, noting that his work had attracted threats simply for trying to fix a broken system. He emphasised that the restructuring effort, covering four major tax laws including the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025, aims to simplify tax compliance and broaden the country’s low revenue base.
The tax reform chief pointed to deep‑seated mistrust of government, a weak tax compliance culture, and public misunderstandings about the changes as key obstacles. He noted that many Nigerians believe the laws introduce new taxes, when they are designed to consolidate and reduce multiple levies previously in place.
Oyedele urged Nigerians who support the reforms to speak out publicly, warning that silence allows critics to dominate the narrative. He said restoring trust between government and taxpayers is crucial for success, and that meaningful engagement from citizens could help counter misinformation.
The federal government’s tax reform programme has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters saying it will modernise Nigeria’s fiscal system and critics warning of confusion and increased burden on some sectors. The ongoing debate underscores the broader challenge of implementing structural financial reforms in a politically and economically complex environment.