By Muhammad Mamman
Former Nigerian Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun has thrown her weight behind the federal government’s ongoing tax reforms, describing them as crucial to boosting national revenue and reducing the country’s dependence on volatile oil earnings.
Adeosun, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari, made the remarks during a policy dialogue on fiscal sustainability held in Abuja on Tuesday. She argued that Nigeria’s low tax-to-GDP ratio remained a major barrier to development and urged both government institutions and citizens to embrace a culture of compliance.
“We cannot build a modern economy on oil alone,” Adeosun said. “Strengthening tax administration and widening the tax net are essential steps to ensuring Nigeria has the revenue it needs for infrastructure, education, and healthcare.”
The reforms, driven by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, aim to simplify the tax system, curb leakages, and improve efficiency across federal and state agencies. Adeosun praised the initiative, saying it aligns with global best practices and could reposition Nigeria’s public finance framework if implemented consistently.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s tax revenue has lagged behind that of peer economies, with many businesses operating outside the formal sector. Adeosun emphasised that closing these gaps would not only enhance government income but also create a fairer economic environment.
“Compliance should not be negotiable,” she said. “Every nation that has developed did so by ensuring that citizens and corporations pay their fair share.”
Government officials at the forum welcomed Adeosun’s comments, saying her support underlined the urgency of reforming Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
The tax reform committee is expected to release additional policy proposals in the coming months, with implementation projected to begin in stages from 2026.
