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Oyedele Pledges Swift Implementation of Tax Reforms, Prioritises Revenue Mobilisation

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 16th, 2026.

Newly appointed Taiwo Oyedele has vowed to ensure Nigeria’s tax reforms move beyond policy documents into effective implementation, underscoring that “reforms are only as good as the paper on which they are written.”

The minister made the pledge on Monday shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Speaking to journalists at the State House, Oyedele outlined immediate priorities, which include boosting revenue mobilisation, optimising government spending, enhancing debt management, and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

He said, “What is really important is diligent execution. Moving from policy formulation to effective execution is critical. We are excited and ready to tackle these challenges.” According to The Nation, Oyedele emphasised that generating sufficient revenue to meet growing public demands at both federal and state levels will be central to his mandate.

“The focus will be on revenue mobilisation so that the public’s increasing demands on the treasury can be met. At the same time, we must optimise how every Naira is spent to maximise value for citizens,” he added. When asked how he intends to avoid disappointing Nigerians, Oyedele expressed confidence in his team and the Ministry of Finance, promising “to give my very best at every point in time.”

During the ceremony, President Tinubu praised Oyedele for overhauling Nigeria’s tax framework, describing the former system as “obsolete, archaic, and fundamentally against every progressive thinker.” According to The Punch, the President commended Oyedele’s dedication and determination, while noting the challenging nature of the role amidst economic stability without exponential growth.

Tinubu also acknowledged the minister’s family support, highlighting the long hours required for the demanding position. Oyedele, a 50-year-old tax expert, previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which spearheaded the consolidation of more than 60 taxes into fewer than ten statutes. The reforms, effective January 1, 2026, introduced zero personal income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exempted small businesses with a turnover below N100 million from company income tax.

He succeeds Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. The Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination earlier this week following a rigorous two-hour screening session.

Oyedele concluded by highlighting the need for proactive strategies to position Nigeria to tackle fiscal challenges while capitalising on domestic and global opportunities, reinforcing his commitment to translating reforms into tangible economic benefits.