Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed media reports suggesting that he described Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws as “fake,” stating that such claims are inaccurate and misrepresent his remarks.
Speaking during interviews on Channels Television and later on ARISE News, Oyedele explained that his comments were taken out of context. According to him, he was not referring to any duly gazetted tax legislation but to a list of “alleged alterations” that was being circulated and presented as the report of a House of Representatives committee before the committee had even met.
“Some media reports claiming that I described the gazetted tax laws as ‘fake’ are incorrect,” Oyedele said. “My comment was specifically about a list of alleged alterations being circulated as the report of the House of Representatives committee, even though the committee had not commenced its work.”
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest and debate surrounding ongoing fiscal and tax reforms being pursued by the federal government. Oyedele emphasized the need for accuracy and restraint in public discourse, particularly on issues as sensitive as tax policy and legislative processes.
He further stressed that mischaracterizing unofficial documents as legislative outcomes could undermine institutional processes and create unnecessary confusion among stakeholders, investors, and the general public.
Analysts note that the clarification underscores the broader challenge of misinformation in policy conversations and highlights the importance of clarity, due process, and factual reporting in reform-related discussions. As Nigeria continues to navigate complex fiscal reforms, observers argue that clear communication from policymakers and responsible reporting by the media are essential to maintaining public trust and policy credibility.
Oyedele urged Nigerians to rely on verified sources and official communications, encouraging the public to watch the full interviews for proper context, including his recent appearance on ARISE News where he reiterated his position.
The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms remains central to the administration’s efforts to modernize Nigeria’s tax system, improve revenue generation, and ensure fairness and transparency in fiscal governance.
