Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal and Tax Reform Committee, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed the intense personal backlash he has faced since the introduction of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, disclosing that amid widespread insults, curses, and threats directed at him and his family, only two respected individuals reached out to acknowledge his efforts and the long-term benefits of the reforms.
Oyedele made the disclosure during a media workshop in Lagos, where he spoke candidly about the emotional and social cost of championing reforms aimed at protecting Nigerians from fiscal abuse, multiple taxation, and an inefficient tax system.
According to him, public reaction to the new tax laws has been largely driven by misinformation and premature conclusions, even though the full operationalisation of the reforms has not yet begun.
“Out of all the noise, only two respectable individuals called me to say they understood what we are trying to do and the benefits that will follow,” Oyedele said. “The rest have been curses, insults, and direct attacks on me and my family—over reforms many have not even taken time to understand.”
He stressed that the tax reforms are not designed to punish citizens but to create a fairer, simpler, and more transparent system that reduces the burden on low-income earners and small businesses while ensuring that those with the capacity to pay do so equitably.
Oyedele lamented that resistance to reform often intensifies before implementation, especially when vested interests feel threatened.
“People are reacting to fear, not facts,” he noted. “The laws are being judged before Nigerians can even see how they will work in practice.”
He explained that the committee’s work focuses on closing loopholes, harmonising taxes across tiers of government, and eliminating arbitrary levies that have historically hurt productivity and discouraged investment.
Despite the personal attacks, Oyedele reaffirmed his resolve to stay the course, describing the reforms as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust between the government and citizens and placing Nigeria on a sustainable fiscal path.
He also challenged journalists to take ownership of public enlightenment, warning that poor understanding of complex policy issues could deepen mistrust and social tension.
“The media must help Nigerians separate facts from fear,” he said. “Without clear communication, even the best policies can appear hostile.”
The workshop concluded with calls for broader stakeholder engagement, continuous public education, and patience as the government prepares for the phased operationalisation of the new tax laws, which Oyedele said would ultimately benefit the majority of Nigerians once fully understood and implemented.
Dr. Taiwo Oyedele reveals he and his family faced curses and threats over Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, saying only two individuals offered encouragement amid widespread misinformation before full implementation.
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