The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has disclosed that he was forced to abandon his home and relocate to an undisclosed location under armed police protection, following multiple death threats tied to his sweeping tax reform efforts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Oyedele made the revelation during a live appearance on Nigeria Info FM, where he explained that his aggressive clampdown on over 60 illegal revenue-generating government agencies had angered powerful vested interests.

“I had to move out of my house. I now live in a rented place at a secret location,” Oyedele said. “I’m not someone who likes to have armed men following me around, but I had no choice but to accept mobile police protection.”

A former Africa Tax Lead at PwC, Oyedele admitted he underestimated the level of pushback he would receive from individuals and entities who profit from Nigeria’s dysfunctional tax structure.

“These aren’t small players. They’re powerful people with serious influence and resources. Naturally, they would resist any move to shut down their illegal revenue streams,” he stated.

The threats have also taken a toll on his family. Oyedele revealed that his wife has been fasting daily due to fear for his safety, and his 80-year-old mother developed an ulcer from the anxiety.

“There’s a personal cost that many people don’t see. If you’re in public service and not there to loot, it’s not appealing at all,” he said.

On June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law four landmark tax reform bills: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and the Joint Tax Board Act. These will come into effect from January 1, 2026.

Key provisions include:

• Exemption of Nigerians earning ₦110,000 or less per month from PAYE tax.

• Lower tax rates for middle-income earners.

• A 25% tax rate for high-income earners (those earning ₦2 million or more monthly).

• Zero VAT on essential goods and services (food, housing, healthcare, education, and transport), enabling producers to reclaim input VAT and cut costs.

“We don’t want to overload businesses with costs—those have now been removed,” Oyedele explained.

He clarified that, contrary to public speculation, there will be no VAT increase. Instead, the reforms are structured to lighten the tax load on low- and middle-income Nigerians and support formal businesses.

“Our goal is to create a system that works for everyone, especially those below the middle class,” he added.

While the threats have calmed since the laws were signed, Oyedele acknowledged the dangers he faced during the process.

“Now that the laws are in place, there’s no need for anyone to come after me. Even if anything happens to me now, I’ll die a happy man—because Nigerians will remember that someone tried to help his country.”

He also commended President Tinubu for backing the reforms, despite the political risks involved.

“We didn’t consult Mr. President before most of these moves, yet he took the blame without ever distancing himself from us,” Oyedele noted.

A nationwide awareness campaign is expected to begin soon, targeting low-income earners and small businesses with information on how to benefit from the reforms and avoid exploitation.

“As salaries are paid, Nigerians will begin to see their take-home pay increase—even without salary hikes. That’s the real economic benefit,” Oyedele concluded.