I’ll Die A Happy Man!” – Oyedele Breaks Silence On Death Threats Over Tax Reform

Speaking during a live interview on Nigeria Info FM, Oyedele revealed that his bold move to shut down over 60 government agencies illegally collecting taxes provoked powerful figures who benefit from Nigeria’s broken tax system.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

I had to leave my house. I now live in a rented apartment at a secret location. I’m not someone who likes being followed by armed men, but I had no choice. I accepted mobile police protection,” he said.

Oyedele, formerly PwC’s Africa Tax Leader, admitted he underestimated how fiercely some entrenched interests would fight back.

“These are not small-time players. They’re powerful individuals with strong connections and deep resources. Naturally, they were never going to let go of those illegal revenue channels without a fight,” he noted.

The threats have also impacted his family emotionally. Oyedele said his wife has been fasting daily out of fear, while his 80-year-old mother developed an ulcer from the anxiety.

“There’s a side of public service people don’t see. If you’re not in government to steal, the experience is far from glamorous,” he remarked.

On June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed four major tax reform laws: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Tax Board Act, which are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Key Features of the Reforms:

• Nigerians earning ₦110,000 or less monthly will be exempt from PAYE tax.

• Middle-income earners will receive tax relief.

• High-income earners (₦2 million+ monthly) will pay 25% in taxes.

• Essential goods and services (food, housing, health, education, transport) will be zero-rated for VAT, allowing producers to reclaim VAT and cut costs.

“The goal is not to overburden businesses. We’ve removed those hidden costs,” Oyedele explained.

He also clarified that VAT will not increase, contrary to prior speculation. Instead, the reforms are designed to lighten the load on low- and middle-income Nigerians and formal businesses.

“The system should work for everyone, especially those below the middle class,” he added.

Although the threats have lessened since the laws were enacted, Oyedele acknowledged the risk he took to push the reforms through.

“Now that the laws are in place, there’s no reason for anyone to come after me. Even if anything happens to me now, I’ll die fulfilled — Nigerians will remember someone tried to fix the system.”

He commended President Tinubu for his unwavering support despite the political risks.

“Most of the actions we took weren’t pre-approved by the President, yet he stood by us and absorbed all the criticism,” he said.

A nationwide campaign is expected to launch soon, aimed at educating citizens — especially small business owners and low-income earners — about how to avoid extortion and benefit from the new laws.

“As people receive their salaries, they’ll notice an increase in take-home pay — even without a raise. That’s the microeconomic impact we’re targeting,” Oyedele concluded.