Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has stated that the ongoing effort to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system has faced serious obstacles, largely due to a deep-rooted lack of public confidence in government policies.
Oyedele made this known on Tuesday while speaking at a colloquium in Abuja organised to commemorate the 50th birthday of Hadiza Bala Usman.
During his remarks, he compared the reform process to a medical procedure, noting that, “We’re doing surgery… it will come with some pain.” He explained that the intended changes are necessary for long-term economic stability, even though they may cause temporary discomfort for citizens.
The tax reform committee chairman identified the prevailing trust deficit between the government and the public as a major barrier to implementing meaningful changes in the country’s tax framework. He said many Nigerians remain skeptical about policy reforms, which has made it more challenging to secure widespread acceptance and cooperation.
Oyedele further stressed that rebuilding confidence is essential for the success of the reforms, adding that transparent engagement and accountability would be required to convince citizens of the benefits of the proposed tax measures.
The colloquium, which brought together policymakers, public servants and stakeholders, served as a platform to discuss governance, accountability and economic development, alongside the celebration of Hadiza Bala Usman’s milestone birthday.
