Tax Reform Head Taiwo Oyedele Shares Emotional Cost of Leading Fiscal Overhaul

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has discussed the significant personal and emotional sacrifices he made while leading Nigeria’s massive tax reform campaign.

During an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oyedele commented on the high cost of public service, following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of four historic tax reform laws earlier in the day.

Oyedele, who was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2023, stated that the role had a considerable influence on his profession, income, and family life, but he accepted it as a patriotic obligation.

“It affected everything, including my job trajectory and finances. “I made the decision on purpose, so I’m not complaining,” he explained. “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 significant, Oyedele identified the emotional toll as the most challenging aspect of the voyage.

“The most significant sacrifice was the emotional impact, particularly on my family. There were false tales and misleading headlines online, all of which weighed severely on my loved ones.”

He said that his wife resorted to nightly prayer vigils owing to emotional stress, highlighting the hidden burden experienced by individuals in public service.

“My wife was performing night vigils every night while yet managing to operate throughout the day. It was challenging. Fortunately, our children are too little to completely understand what we’ve gone through.

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Oyedele urged Nigerians to support professionals who volunteer to serve the country, warning that undue antagonism could discourage qualified individuals from entering public service.

“If Nigerians sincerely want a better country, they must not make it difficult for honest people who are attempting to assist. “Public service is already a difficult decision; adding stress only drives good people away.”

His impassioned statements provide a rare peek into the personal struggles that underpin big policy initiatives, as the country prepares to enact broad tax reforms aimed at increasing fiscal responsibility and economic growth.