Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that he is now living under threat after pushing through Nigeria’s controversial tax reform agenda.
Oyedele disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja that he has been receiving death threats from vested interests angered by the implementation of the new tax laws, describing tax reform as one of the toughest battles in Nigeria’s governance space.
According to him, weak public trust, a poor tax culture and limited transparency on how taxes benefit citizens have made reform efforts deeply unpopular and fiercely resisted.
“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 warned that Nigeria’s dangerously low tax revenue compared to similar economies leaves the country with no choice but to pursue sweeping reforms, no matter how uncomfortable they may be for powerful groups.
Oyedele called on Nigerians who understand the reforms to break their silence, cautioning that misinformation and fear-mongering will continue to thrive if supporters fail to speak out.
He noted that the hostility surrounding the reforms exposes the personal dangers faced by individuals challenging entrenched financial interests.
The Federal Government formally kicked off the new tax regime on January 1, 2026, activating four major laws: the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025.
Oyedele’s revelation has renewed debate over the risks reformers face in Nigeria, particularly in efforts aimed at widening the tax net, boosting compliance and strengthening public finance.
Despite the threats, he insisted that the reforms remain non-negotiable, stressing that fixing Nigeria’s broken revenue system is essential for long-term economic survival and national development.
