Rita Odafe
Tax Reform Bills Spark Controversy in Nigeria
Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, shared that he faced significant backlash, including curses aimed at him and his family, due to the proposed tax reform bills.
This announcement was made during a presentation event in Abuja, where a technical committee from the League of Northern Democrats (LND) discussed the contentious tax reform measures.
Despite receiving negative feedback, Oyedele emphasized his commitment to effecting positive change through his public service role.
The tax reform proposals have ignited intense discussions across Nigeria, with strong opposition particularly from northern regions. Many regional leaders argue that these reforms are designed to favor specific areas, notably Lagos State, while disadvantaging other parts of the country.
Oyedele assured that the suggestions from his committee resulted from thorough discussions and were not influenced by outside parties, highlighting the desire to enhance the nation’s tax framework.
“The outrage on social media is considerable. I don’t take it to heart. I focus on constructive feedback that can help us improve our proposals. Working in public service means not always seeking approval or praises,” he stated.
“It’s essential to recognize our obligation to the public. A diverse team, representative of Nigeria’s various regions, contributed to these recommendations,” he added, referencing the composition of his committee.
“No external entity, whether the World Bank or government officials, influenced our work. Every detail in the bills emerged from national discussions,” he reaffirmed. He noted the importance of ongoing dialogue, even post-implementation, to refine the laws further.
While acknowledging there are no perfect laws, he expressed eagerness to see how feedback could refine future amendments and improve the implementation process.
“We greatly value every piece of feedback and promise to address it thoughtfully. Our primary goal remains the advancement of Nigeria’s interests,” he concluded.
