The newly appointed Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms will deliver a fairer, more inclusive system that supports economic participation rather than stifling it.
He gave the assurance while delivering a keynote address at the Policy Innovation Centre launch of the 2025 Purple Book Fourth edition titled, ‘New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society.’
The Purple Book launch, themed, ‘Who Pays, Who Gains? Centering Women, Youth and Informal Workers in Nigeria’s 2026 Tax Reform,’ brought together policymakers, development partners, and civil society actors to advance dialogue on equitable fiscal policies.
Represented by Albert Folorunsho, Member of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Oyedele said the reforms mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, aimed at strengthening revenue mobilisation while promoting equity and inclusion.
According to him, Nigeria has enacted four landmark laws including the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act, with the aim to modernise the country’s tax framework.
“These reforms represent far more than legislative changes. They represent a structural shift in how Nigeria mobilises revenue, promotes economic inclusion, and strengthens the social contract between government and citizens,” he said.
Oyedele noted that with over 92 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce in the informal sector, the reforms are designed to simplify compliance, eliminate multiple taxation, and protect vulnerable households through targeted VAT exemptions on essential goods.
He urged Nigerians not to fear the reforms, stressing that they are structured to reduce burdens on small businesses, support youth entrepreneurs, and expand opportunities across all sectors.
Earlier, a Board Member of the Policy Innovation Centre, Maryam Uwais, said tax reform must go beyond revenue generation to ensure fairness, efficiency, and visible benefits to citizens, particularly women, youth, and informal workers who dominate Nigeria’s economy.
Similarly, the Regional Director at the Africa Immigrant Foundation, Toni Akiniyi, emphasised the need for inclusive policymaking, noting that diverse voices must shape tax policies to reflect the realities of different demographics.
Also speaking, Dr. Abia Ndeme Nsika of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development described tax policy as a powerful social tool that must promote equity and opportunity, especially for vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, the Director of Human Capital Management at the Nigeria Revenue Service, Angel Fadadusi, highlighted the importance of gender-responsive tax systems, stating that inclusive policies strengthen public trust and broaden the tax base.
Dr. Amina Aminu-Dorayi of Pathfinder International stressed that tax reforms must be intentionally designed to reduce unintended burdens on women and informal workers while promoting inclusive economic growth.
