The Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bill is designed to lift more Nigerians out of poverty and promote economic empowerment, especially for low-income earners and small businesses, according to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
Speaking at the Spokespersons’ Summit organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja, Oyedele said the bill introduces a number of sweeping changes aimed at easing the tax burden on vulnerable groups.
Among the key provisions of the bill are the removal of Personal Income Tax (PAYE) obligations for low-income earners and the exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and services including food, healthcare, and education. Small businesses will also benefit from a zero per cent Corporate Income Tax rate.
While acknowledging that tax reforms often face resistance, Oyedele emphasized that the bill was created with ordinary Nigerians in mind.
“Most people don’t find taxation appealing, especially when it’s unclear how their contributions are being utilized for their benefit,” he said. “This reform is grounded in data and crafted by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
He stressed that the reform approach involved identifying the core issues in the tax system and engaging stakeholders with data-driven solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific context. The bill is currently nearing final approval, with presidential assent expected soon.
Oyedele expressed confidence that once implemented, the reforms would result in tangible benefits for citizens.
“Our vision is to help Nigerians build wealth and succeed. We want them to pay taxes only when they have the capacity to do so, not when they are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Also speaking at the summit, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku highlighted the vital role of effective communication in policy implementation. He noted that poorly communicated policies risk being misinterpreted or hijacked by misinformation, as was initially the case with the tax reform bill.
“Communicators are crucial in translating complex policies into relatable narratives,” Neliaku said. “We must always consider the communication strategy—when, how, and where to deliver the message—because the wrong approach can lead to public distrust.”
He announced that NIPR and its communication partners are working with government agencies to develop a comprehensive tax communication framework. This initiative, he said, extends to other reform areas, including climate action and scientific policy.
Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, a fellow of NIPR, also advocated for a gender-sensitive tax approach, calling for targeted exemptions for women—particularly single mothers who are often the sole providers for their families.
She praised the summit for fostering deeper understanding of national issues and encouraging knowledge-based dialogue among communication professionals.
