Tax Reform Chair Taiwo Oyedele Reveals Personal Toll of Leading Nigeria’s Fiscal Overhaul

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has shared the intense personal and emotional sacrifices he endured while leading Nigeria’s major tax reform initiative.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oyedele reflected on the profound cost of public service, following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of four historic tax reform bills into law earlier in the day.

Oyedele, who was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2023, said the role significantly impacted his career, finances, and family life, but he chose to accept the position as a patriotic duty.

“It affected everything actually — my career trajectory, finances. I made the decision intentionally, so I’m not complaining,” he said. “In fact, the money offered by the government was so minimal that I opted not to take a salary — just reimbursement for direct costs.”

While the financial sacrifice was considerable, Oyedele described the emotional toll as the most difficult part of the journey.

“The biggest sacrifice was the emotional impact, especially on my family. There were fabricated stories online, misleading headlines — all of which weighed heavily on my loved ones.”

He revealed that his wife resorted to nightly prayer vigils due to the emotional strain, underscoring the hidden burden carried by those in public service.

“My wife was holding night vigils every night and still trying to function during the day. It was tough. Thankfully, our kids are too young to fully grasp what we’ve been facing.”

Oyedele urged Nigerians to support professionals who step up to serve the nation, warning that unnecessary hostility could deter capable hands from entering public service.

“If Nigerians truly want a better country, they must not make it harder for honest people who are trying to help. Public service is already a difficult choice — adding more stress only drives good people away.”

His heartfelt remarks offer a rare glimpse into the personal challenges behind major policy work, as the nation prepares to implement sweeping tax reforms aimed at improving fiscal responsibility and economic growth.