Oyedele Reveals Wife Held Vigils Amid Tax Reform Backlash

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that his wife held nightly vigils for him at the height of public backlash over Nigeria’s tax reform initiative.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics on Thursday , a Channels Television programme, Oyedele said his wife resorted to constant prayers due to the emotional toll the criticisms and controversies surrounding the reforms had on their family.

He described the period as particularly tough, with his wife struggling to sleep and still managing her daily responsibilities.

“She would pray all night, go to work in the morning, return, and repeat the process. It was overwhelming for her,” Oyedele said.

He lamented the spread of misinformation and what he described as “cooked-up stories” on blogs and social media platforms, noting that the attacks extended beyond him to his family.

Despite the challenges, he said his wife’s support and prayers kept him focused on the task of national reform.

Oyedele clarified that he is serving on the committee without drawing a salary, only receiving coverage for expenses, and emphasized that his commitment is rooted in a desire to serve the country.

He said the reforms were never intended to burden poor Nigerians but rather to ease their financial pressure.

According to him, under the new system, households earning ₦250,000 or less monthly will be exempt from personal income tax. The broader reform framework, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 26, 2025, also includes the replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which is tasked with simplifying the tax process and improving compliance.

Oyedele said the reaction from some quarters, although expected, was disheartening, and warned that constant public attacks on reform-minded officials could discourage professionals from offering themselves for public service.

The tax reforms are scheduled to take full effect in January 2026 and are expected to promote equity, eliminate multiple taxation, and stimulate economic growth while shielding low-income earners.