Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that every Nigerian who earns an income — irrespective of profession or source — is required by law to declare it for taxation.
Oyedele stated this on Friday during an interactive session with journalists, influencers, and policy analysts on the implementation of the newly signed tax reform laws, expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Responding to public concerns on the scope of the laws, Oyedele stressed that the principle of “self-declaration” was not a new imposition but an existing obligation.
“Sex workers, agberos, everybody has the responsibility to self-declare. That is the first obligation in the law,” he said.
He explained that no category of earners is exempted, adding: “If I am an agbero calling passengers and I get paid, how is that different from a waiter, an accountant, or a factory worker? Tax laws don’t make exemptions based on morality or legality.”
Citing global practices, the tax chief maintained that tax authorities worldwide focus on income and not the morality of its source.
“If the tax law exempts immoral or illegal activities, people will simply claim illegality to avoid tax. Even in the U.S., the IRS requires that stolen income must be declared for tax purposes,” he noted.
Oyedele, however, assured that the new laws were not introducing fresh taxes. “These reforms are not imposing taxes on anyone who was not taxable before.
The obligation to declare income has always existed. What the reforms are doing is strengthening enforcement,” he said.
He added that undeclared earnings could still be traced through third-party validations. “When you earn money, you either spend, save, or invest — and all of that involves third parties. The system can validate those transactions,” Oyedele explained.
President Bola Tinubu had in June signed four tax reform bills into law, forming part of efforts to widen Nigeria’s revenue base and reduce over-reliance on oil earnings.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
