From VAT Critic to Tax Enforcer: Taiwo Oyedele’s Curious U-Turn Under Tinubu -

From VAT Critic to Tax Enforcer: Taiwo Oyedele’s Curious U-Turn Under Tinubu

Taiwo Oyedele’s shift from outspoken VAT critic to Tinubu’s top tax reformer sparks debate over loyalty, principle, and politics.

In September 2019, Taiwo Oyedele, then a respected tax consultant and commentator, took to X with a thread that read like a manifesto against Nigeria’s proposed VAT hike from 5% to 7.5%.

He warned of a “40% increase in VAT cost to consumers,” predicting inflation, reduced disposable income for the poor, and a potential decline in GDP growth.

Oyedele suggested exempting essential goods, easing the burden on small businesses, and ensuring transparent revenue use.

Fast forward to 2025, and the same Taiwo Oyedele is the Chairman of the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms Committee under President Bola Tinubu.

His face now graces the rollout of the Nigeria Tax Act, signed into law in June and set to take effect in January 2026.

Author’s summary: Taiwo Oyedele’s U-turn sparks debate on loyalty and principle.

Herald Nigeria — 2025-10-20

From VAT Critic to Tax Enforcer: Taiwo Oyedele’s Curious U-Turn Under Tinubu

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