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They Want Me Dead For Fixing the System — Taiwo Oyedele
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has publicly stated that he receives death threats because of his efforts to reform the country’s tax system.
Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja at a governance colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
Addressing participants at the event, Oyedele underscored the complexity and risks associated with reforming entrenched systems, particularly those that challenge powerful interests.
“Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” he said.
He noted that the reform agenda is confronted by deep-rooted challenges, including low public trust in government, weak tax compliance, and limited understanding among citizens about the relationship between taxes paid and public services delivered.
Oyedele explained that Nigeria’s tax revenue remains far below that of comparable countries, making reform not just necessary but unavoidable.
He urged Nigerians who believe in the reforms to speak up, warning that silence allows opponents to dominate public discourse.
According to him, the Federal Government commenced the implementation of new tax laws on January 1, 2026.
The reforms are anchored on four key legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025.
Trust, Oyedele said, remains one of the most critical barriers to progress.
“The trust in government and within government is very low,” he observed, adding that many Nigerians are unaware of their tax responsibilities due to a weak tax culture.
He also highlighted a major communication gap, noting that many citizens wrongly assume the reforms introduce new taxes rather than streamline existing ones.
“Suddenly, there is a national awareness, and they just say, the people have come with taxes all over the place when actually, what the government is doing is to reduce those taxes they have been paying, and harmonise them,” he explained.
Oyedele emphasized that pushing through the reforms demands bravery and firm political will.
“You need that courage to push through, you need the courage to take risks, because it’s very risky,” he said, pointing to the political, economic, and reputational dangers involved.
Despite facing threats and online attacks, the tax reform chief maintained that the current approach is necessary.
“What we have been doing all along, all my adult life with the tax system, was pain reliever. It hasn’t taken us far.”
“It can’t take us far. Now we’re doing the surgery. It’s going to come with some pain, but that’s the only right thing to do.”
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, describing the present reforms as the most significant progress he has witnessed and calling for sustained commitment to achieve long-term results.
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe have announced the arrival of their triplet sons.
Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.
“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.
The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.
The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.
Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”
OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”
Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”
Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.
A devastating fire has destroyed an aluminum company and a residential building in two separate incidents in Oyo State this week.
The aluminum company, located at Km 110, Iyaganku area of Ibadan was razed on Thursday while the fire incident at the residential building in Ogbomoso occurred on Wednesday.
Chairman, Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande confirmed both incidents, saying his men have brought the situation under control.
“Upon arrival, a building used as an office with adjoining warehouse was engulfed by fire. The fire was caused by electrical sparks from an appliance plugged and unattended to and it ignited nearby combustibles, and set the building ablaze.
On the building in Ogbomoso, he said, “Upon arrival, it was discovered that the first room by the right of an ancient residential building was engulfed by fire”.
The Nigeria Police Force hereby provides an update on the disciplinary actions taken following the fatal shooting incident of 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, which resulted in the death of Mr Mene Ogidi.
Sequel to the earlier directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, all officers connected to the incident were immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they were subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings.
The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review. Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath to protect life and uphold the law.
Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.
Upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting.
The Inspector-General of Police reiterates, in the strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power. No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.
The IGP extends his deepest and most solemn condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr Mene Ogidi. He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly. The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public confidence and institutional accountability.
Members of the public are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens while ensuring accountability at all levels.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
29th April 2026
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