Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has spoken about the severe 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 to Channels Television’s Politics Today about the profound cost of public service.
Oyedele, who was appointed by President Tinubu in July 2023, said the job had a considerable influence on his profession, income, and family life, but he accepted it as a patriotic obligation.
“It affected everything — my job path, my finances. “I made the decision on purpose, so I’m 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 cost was significant, Oyedele highlighted the emotional toll as the most challenging aspect of the voyage.
“The most significant sacrifice was the emotional impact on my family. There were falsified reports online, as well as misleading headlines, which weighed severely on my loved ones.”
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He added that his wife resorted to overnight prayer vigils owing to the emotional pressure, emphasizing the hidden burden experienced by individuals in public service.
“My wife was keeping night vigils every night while attempting to function during the day. It wasn’t easy. Fortunately, our children are too little to completely comprehend what we’ve been through.”
Oyedele urged Nigerians to support professionals who volunteer to serve the country, cautioning that undue antagonism could dissuade capable individuals from entering public service.
“If Nigerians sincerely want a better country, they should not make it more difficult for honest people who want to help. “Public service is already a difficult decision; adding more stress only drives good people away.”
His impassioned statements provide a rare peek into the personal struggles that underpin big policy initiatives, as the country prepares to adopt sweeping tax reforms aimed at increasing fiscal responsibility and economic growth.
