- The tax reforms have sparked intense debate, particularly in the North
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has revealed that he and his family have faced verbal abuse over the controversial tax reform bills.
Speaking in Abuja during a presentation by the League of Northern Democrats (LND), Oyedele said the backlash has not deterred him from pursuing what he described as a mission to transform Nigeria’s economy.
The tax reforms have sparked intense debate, particularly in the North, where critics argue they favour Lagos State and other narrow interests. Oyedele defended the committee’s recommendations, insisting they were developed through extensive consultations.
“Even on social media, you need to see the number of people cursing me and my family. I don’t take it personally. Public service is about accountability, not praise,” he said.
He stressed that the proposals were entirely independent and not influenced by external entities, including the World Bank, IMF, or government officials.
“Every single thing in those bills resulted from debates by a nationally representative committee.”
Oyedele acknowledged the reforms were not perfect but said they were developed with the best intentions to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.