Tinubu Celebrates Taiwo Oyedele at 50, Hails Tax Reformer as “Trailblazer”
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday extended warm congratulations to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Oyedele as a “trailblazer” and commended his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s tax and fiscal policy landscape.
The President praised Oyedele—an accomplished accountant and economist—for exemplifying “excellence, resilience, and innovation in both public and private service.”
Reflecting on Oyedele’s remarkable journey, Tinubu highlighted his rise from humble beginnings in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, to academic and professional excellence at prestigious global institutions such as the London School of Economics, Yale University, and Harvard Kennedy School.
“Oyedele has demonstrated merit, discipline, and integrity, which are the foundations of genuine achievement,” the President stated.
Recalling Oyedele’s appointment, Tinubu said: “When I inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms on August 8, 2023, I tasked the committee under his chairmanship with a bold mission to reform Nigeria’s tax and fiscal landscape. I urged him to raise our tax-to-GDP ratio to 18 per cent within three years and make the business environment more attractive.”
The President noted that while he is still awaiting the harmonised four tax bills for assent, the reforms initiated under Oyedele’s leadership have already yielded positive results.
“Indications are that the reforms will enable us to reach our targeted tax-to-GDP ratio, which has already risen from 10 per cent to more than 13.5 per cent,” Tinubu stated.
He commended Oyedele, a former Africa Tax Leader at PwC, for playing a pivotal role in advocating a fairer, simpler, and more growth-oriented tax system in Nigeria. He also lauded his efforts to streamline taxation, provide relief for low-income households, and ensure that the country’s fiscal policies support inclusive economic development.
As Oyedele celebrates his golden jubilee, President Tinubu said he anticipates his continued impact in academia and youth mentorship, especially through empowerment initiatives aimed at grooming future leaders.
The President concluded with a prayer for Oyedele, asking God to grant him “continued strength, wisdom, and fulfillment as he continues his dedicated service to Nigeria and humanity.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Taiwo Oyedele was born on June 18, 1975, in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State. He was appointed by President Tinubu to lead the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms on August 8, 2023, and has since been at the forefront of efforts to revamp the nation’s tax system.
