Taiwo Oyedele has said some content creators earning significant income do not want to pay tax and are spreading misleading claims to stir public opposition to Nigeria’s tax reform.
Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, Oyedele said the ongoing misinformation about the new tax framework, especially on social media, is largely being driven by people who earn well but want to avoid taxation. He explained that rather than stating openly that they do not want to pay tax, such individuals create fear among the public to resist the reform.
“There are content creators who admitted they make up to $10,000 a month. They don’t want to pay tax,” Oyedele said. “You think they will go and create a content that says they want to tax $10,000 a month? No. They say, no, they’re going to debit your bank account so you can help them fight. Debit your ₦5,000. You can help them fight the reform.”
He noted that this kind of messaging has led many Nigerians with little or no taxable income to oppose a policy that is not directed at them. Oyedele said the reform was designed to correct a regressive system that taxed the vulnerable more heavily, but misinformation has made many ordinary people believe they are the targets.
He added that those spreading false claims about automatic bank deductions were misrepresenting the process. “Nobody will debit your account,” he said, explaining that under the new system, individuals declare their own income and pay the appropriate tax if applicable.
According to him, the focus of the reform is to make Nigeria’s tax structure more progressive by ensuring that those with higher income contribute more, while small business owners and low-income earners are protected through exemptions.
Oyedele described it as surprising that many of those protesting the reform were not within the taxable threshold, noting that policymakers underestimated how easily wealthy individuals could influence public opinion through online narratives.
He said the government would continue to clarify how the reform works and simplify compliance for those affected, while ensuring that false information does not derail efforts to create a fairer tax system.
