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Ex-Finance Minister Applauds Tinubu’s Tax Reforms and Data Harmonisation

Published by admin on January 3rd, 2026.

Ex-Finance Minister Applauds Tinubu’s Tax Reforms and Data Harmonisation

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun has expressed her backing for the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms, highlighting the long-standing challenges of tax compliance in Nigeria, particularly among wealthy individuals and large corporations. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Inside Sources*, she referenced programs like the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) aimed at curbing tax evasion.

Adeosun emphasized the importance of tough enforcement in finance, noting, “When you’re minister of finance, saying ‘no’ becomes part of the job. If a finance minister is universally loved, they’re probably not doing enough.” She commended the Tinubu administration for advancing data harmonisation across government agencies, describing it as a key step toward improving revenue collection and governance.

“The harmonisation of TIN, NIN, BVN, and other data points makes it much harder to hide income or assets,” Adeosun explained. She added that integrated data, combined with AI technology, allows authorities to quickly identify individuals or companies benefiting from public resources without fulfilling their tax obligations.

On the issue of security, Adeosun acknowledged the government’s political will to address the problem while recognizing its complexity. Recounting a personal encounter during her tenure, she revealed that her home was invaded and she was threatened at knifepoint. “It was terrifying. I never felt safe sleeping there again,” she said. She concluded that while insecurity is a longstanding issue, decisive action by the current administration is a positive development.