The Federal Government has assured that ongoing tax reforms in Nigeria will benefit women, youths and informal sector workers, with policies designed to promote inclusion and reduce tax burdens.
Nigeria is implementing a broad overhaul of its tax system aimed at improving revenue generation and strengthening fiscal policy.
The reforms are also intended to make taxation more inclusive and responsive to the realities of the country’s workforce.
A significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce operates within the informal sector, making inclusive tax policies important for economic participation and compliance.
The reforms are being driven under a new legal framework designed to modernise the country’s tax administration and structure.
The Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, said the reforms would create “a fairer, more inclusive system that supports economic participation.”
He spoke at the launch of the Policy Innovation Centre’s 2025 Purple Book, themed around inclusive tax reform and economic participation.
According to him, Nigeria has enacted four key laws to support the reforms. These include the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act and Joint Revenue Board Act.
Oyedele said the reforms aim to simplify tax compliance, eliminate multiple taxation and introduce targeted Value Added Tax exemptions on essential goods to protect vulnerable households.
He added that with over 92 percent of Nigeria’s workforce in the informal sector, the reforms are structured to reduce pressure on small businesses and support youth entrepreneurship.
Other stakeholders at the event also emphasised the need for inclusive tax policies. They noted that reforms should ensure fairness, efficiency and measurable benefits for women, youths and informal workers.
The proposed tax reforms are expected to influence how individuals and businesses interact with Nigeria’s tax system.
Simplified compliance processes and targeted exemptions may reduce the burden on small enterprises and low-income earners.
For women and youth entrepreneurs, inclusive tax policies could improve access to economic opportunities and reduce barriers to participation in formal economic activities.
The reforms also aim to strengthen trust between government and citizens by aligning taxation with visible benefits and improved service delivery.
