By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has said Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform will be judged not only by the amount of revenue generated but by how fairly it creates economic opportunities for citizens.
The Minister of State for Finance and Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during the unveiling of a policy guide book aimed at promoting gender equity and social inclusion in Abuja.
According to Oyedele, the reform is designed to ensure that taxation policies promote fairness, expand opportunities and support inclusive economic growth across the country.
He explained that the government intends to build a tax system that encourages productivity while also ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
The event was organised by the Policy Innovation Centre and brought together policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders and civil society organisations.
Participants discussed how the 2026 tax reform initiative can improve financial inclusion and economic participation for women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
Officials noted that the reform strategy aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda aimed at improving fiscal stability, reducing inequality and creating a more efficient tax administration framework.
The discussions also examined ways to ensure the tax system promotes fairness while encouraging investment and entrepreneurship.
Oyedele emphasised that the success of the reforms would ultimately depend on their ability to create opportunities across different sectors of society.
He added that beyond generating revenue, the reforms should support economic empowerment and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
Experts at the event also highlighted the importance of gender-responsive fiscal policies, noting that inclusive taxation can help remove structural barriers that limit participation in economic activities.
They stressed that targeted policies could help expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs and young innovators.
The policy guide presented at the gathering is expected to serve as a roadmap for implementing inclusive tax reforms across Nigeria.
Stakeholders believe the initiative could strengthen transparency, improve compliance and foster equitable economic growth nationwide.
