FG Assures Tax Reforms Will Benefit Women, Youths, and Informal Workers
The newly appointed Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, has provided strong assurances to Nigerians that the ongoing comprehensive fiscal and tax reforms will deliver a significantly fairer and more inclusive system. This system is specifically designed to support and enhance economic participation rather than stifling it, with a particular focus on empowering women, youths, and informal sector workers across the nation.
Keynote Address at Policy Innovation Centre Launch
Minister Oyedele delivered these assurances while giving a keynote address at the Policy Innovation Centre's launch event for the 2025 Purple Book Fourth edition. The event was titled 'New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society.' The Purple Book launch itself carried the critical theme: 'Who Pays, Who Gains? Centering Women, Youth and Informal Workers in Nigeria’s 2026 Tax Reform.'
This important gathering brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including key policymakers, international development partners, and civil society actors. The primary goal was to advance constructive dialogue and collaboration on developing equitable and progressive fiscal policies for Nigeria's future.
Representation and Vision for Structural Shift
Represented by Albert Folorunsho, a distinguished Member of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Minister Oyedele articulated that these reforms signify a profound and historic shift in Nigeria's fiscal landscape. The core objectives are to strengthen national revenue mobilization while simultaneously promoting greater equity, fairness, and social inclusion for all citizens.
According to the Minister, Nigeria has already enacted four landmark legislative pieces to modernize the country's tax framework. These include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Act.
"These reforms represent far more than mere legislative changes," Oyedele emphasized. "They represent a fundamental structural shift in how Nigeria mobilizes revenue, promotes genuine economic inclusion, and strengthens the vital social contract between the government and its citizens."
Focus on the Informal Sector and Vulnerable Groups
Oyedele highlighted a crucial statistic: over 92 percent of Nigeria's workforce is engaged in the informal sector. In direct response to this reality, the reforms are meticulously designed to simplify tax compliance procedures, decisively eliminate the burden of multiple taxation, and protect vulnerable households. This protection will be achieved through targeted Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions on essential goods and services.
He urged all Nigerians not to fear the impending changes, stressing that the reforms are intentionally structured to reduce administrative and financial burdens on small businesses, provide robust support for youth entrepreneurs, and systematically expand economic opportunities across all sectors of the economy.
Expert Perspectives on Inclusive Reform
Earlier during the event, Maryam Uwais, a Board Member of the Policy Innovation Centre, argued that effective tax reform must transcend simple revenue generation. She insisted it must ensure fairness, operational efficiency, and deliver visible, tangible benefits to citizens, particularly women, youth, and informal workers who dominate and drive Nigeria's economy.
Similarly, Toni Akiniyi, the Regional Director at the Africa Immigrant Foundation, emphasized the non-negotiable need for inclusive policymaking. He noted that diverse voices from all segments of society must actively shape tax policies to accurately reflect the lived realities and challenges of different demographics.
Also contributing to the discourse, Dr. Abia Ndeme Nsika of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development described tax policy as a powerful social tool. She asserted that it must be leveraged to promote equity and create opportunity, especially for the nation's most vulnerable groups.
Gender-Responsive Systems and Building Trust
Meanwhile, Angel Fadadusi, the Director of Human Capital Management at the Nigeria Revenue Service, highlighted the critical importance of developing gender-responsive tax systems. She stated that inclusive and sensitive policies are essential for strengthening public trust in government institutions and for broadening the national tax base sustainably.
Dr. Amina Aminu-Dorayi of Pathfinder International added a final, crucial point. She stressed that tax reforms must be intentionally and carefully designed from the outset to reduce any unintended burdens on women and informal workers. This deliberate design is fundamental to promoting truly inclusive and sustainable economic growth for Nigeria.
