Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has revealed the personal and emotional sacrifices he made while leading Nigeria’s significant tax reform campaign.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of four historic tax reform legislation into law earlier in the day, Oyedele spoke with Channels Television’s Politics Today about the high cost of public service.
Oyedele, who was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2023, stated that the role had a considerable influence on his profession, income, and family life, but he accepted the position as a patriotic obligation.
“It had an impact on everything, including my career and finances. I made the decision on purpose, therefore I am not complaining,” he stated. “In fact, the money offered by the government was so minimal that I opted not to take a salary — just reimbursement for direct costs.”
While the financial sacrifice was significant, Oyedele highlighted the emotional toll as the most challenging aspect of the voyage.
“The greatest sacrifice was the emotional toll, particularly on my family. There were fake reports and misleading headlines, all of which weighed severely on my loved ones.”
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He said that his wife resorted to overnight prayer vigils owing to emotional stress, highlighting the hidden weight that many in public service bear.
“My wife was keeping night vigils every night while still trying to operate throughout the day. It was challenging. Thankfully, our children are too little to completely comprehend what we’ve gone through.
Oyedele urged Nigerians to support professionals who volunteer to serve the country, saying that unwarranted antagonism could discourage capable individuals from entering public service.
“If Nigerians sincerely want a better country, they must not make it more difficult for good people who want to help. “Public service is already a difficult choice; adding additional stress only drives good people away.”
His impassioned statements provide a rare peek into the human struggles that drive important policy initiatives, as the country prepares to adopt broad tax reforms aimed at enhancing fiscal responsibility and economic growth.
