The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that he has received threats to his life as a result of his involvement in implementing sweeping tax reforms in Nigeria.
Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday, January 13, while speaking at a public event in Abuja. He noted that tax reforms often provoke strong resistance, particularly when they challenge entrenched and powerful interests.
“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.
According to Oyedele, the reform process has been complicated by several factors, including widespread mistrust of government, a weak tax compliance culture, and limited public understanding of the link between taxation and the delivery of public services.
Despite these challenges, the Federal Government has proceeded with the enforcement of new tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The reforms are anchored on four key 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.
The new framework is aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax system, improving revenue collection, and creating a more transparent and efficient fiscal structure.
