The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said the implementation of newly introduced tax laws will be closely monitored to ensure fairness and equity across the country. He also declared that the mounting of roadblocks for tax collection is now illegal.
Edun made the remarks while addressing stakeholders on the federal government’s ongoing fiscal reforms. He stated that the objective of the new tax measures is to improve revenue generation without imposing undue hardship on citizens and businesses.
According to the minister, strict oversight mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that tax authorities operate within the confines of the law. He stressed that enforcement must be transparent, consistent, and fair.
Edun specifically warned against the practice of setting up roadblocks to collect taxes, describing it as unlawful under the new framework. He said such actions create inefficiencies, encourage harassment, and undermine public trust in the tax system.
He noted that the federal government is committed to modernizing tax administration by leveraging technology and streamlining processes. The aim, he said, is to reduce leakages, widen the tax base, and improve compliance without resorting to coercive measures.
The minister emphasized that fairness and equity remain central to the reform agenda. He explained that the government intends to create a balanced system where individuals and corporate entities contribute appropriately based on their earnings and activities.
Edun also highlighted recent changes within the finance sector, disclosing that President Bola Tinubu has nominated Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister of State. Oyedele, a tax expert who has been involved in fiscal policy advisory roles, is expected to support the ongoing reform initiatives.
In addition, the president redeployed the former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite-Uzoka, to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The redeployment is part of broader efforts to align economic management with the administration’s policy objectives.
Edun said the appointments and redeployments are designed to strengthen coordination across key economic ministries. He added that effective collaboration between finance and budget authorities is critical to delivering sustainable growth.
The government has introduced a series of tax reforms aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and improving revenue collection. Officials say the measures are necessary to fund infrastructure, social services, and development programmes.
However, the reforms have also generated public interest and debate, particularly regarding their impact on small businesses and low-income earners. Edun reassured stakeholders that the government will engage widely to address concerns and clarify provisions.
He reiterated that the success of the new tax laws depends on proper implementation and public cooperation. Monitoring systems, he said, will be strengthened to prevent abuse and ensure that enforcement aligns with legal and ethical standards.
As Nigeria seeks to boost non-oil revenue amid economic challenges, the federal government maintains that comprehensive tax reform is essential. Edun expressed confidence that with effective oversight and institutional support, the new measures will promote equity, efficiency, and sustainable economic development.
