Tax Reforms Designed to Benefit Nigerians, Not Burden Them – FG
The Federal Government has defended its newly enacted tax reforms, insisting the measures are intended to ease financial pressures on citizens rather than increase them, as widespread misinformation threatens public acceptance of the policies.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, addressed concerns during a courtesy visit to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja, where he sought the agency’s support in educating Nigerians about the reforms.
“This tax reform is coming with benefits,” Oyedele stated, drawing a contrast with previous economic policies. “Exemption for small businesses, exemption for workers, low-income earners, middle class; reduce their taxes, big companies reduce their taxes, harmonize taxes.”
President Bola Tinubu signed the tax reform laws in June 2025 as part of a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system. Set to take effect January 1, 2026, the reforms introduce tax exemptions for small businesses, reduced rates for workers and the middle class, lower corporate taxes, and consolidation of multiple levies across government levels.
Despite what Oyedele described as “the most consequential and beneficial” reform of his career, the committee chairman expressed concern that false information spreading online has fueled public opposition.
“If you go on the streets and ask people about the tax reform, there are people who say they can’t wait to protest on the 1st of January,” he said, noting that positive news rarely goes viral while misinformation spreads rapidly.
He cited a particularly damaging rumor circulating among northern farmers that the government plans to confiscate one of every four baskets of produce—a claim he dismissed as deliberate distortion. The misinformation has reportedly taken on ethnic and religious dimensions, complicating communication efforts.
The committee has documented 50 tax exemptions and reliefs included in the reforms, but many citizens remain unaware of these benefits.
NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu described the reforms as “the first comprehensive, far-reaching response in the fiscal and tax space we have seen” and committed the agency’s resources to public education.
“I must understand beyond the level of an average Nigerian to communicate to them,” Issa-Onilu said, acknowledging that deeper understanding of the reforms has revealed more information that needs dissemination.
The NOA will deploy its nationwide network, which includes partnerships with nearly 200 radio stations broadcasting in 72 local languages, 36 television channels, and offices in all 774 local governments.
“These are experienced communicators and mobilizers with lived experience in sensitizing the public,” Issa-Onilu said. “We will put them at the committee’s disposal to ensure Nigerians are properly informed.”
The agency plans to communicate the reforms’ benefits through relatable scenarios featuring farmers, students, and business executives in local languages.
With less than six weeks until implementation, the government faces a race against time to counter misinformation and build public understanding of what officials say is a reform package designed to stimulate investment and economic growth.
