Nigeria Has Fewer Than 10 Million Active Taxpayers — Oyedele

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that the number of active tax-paying individuals in Nigeria is currently below 10 million, highlighting the urgency for effective implementation of the ongoing tax reforms.

Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday at the Lagos State Tax Reform Summit held in Ikeja, according to a statement from Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor.

He noted that the success of the new tax regime would depend heavily on accurate and reliable data. While the Federal Government provides policy direction and harmonisation, the responsibility for implementation, administration, and service delivery rests with states and local governments.

“In Nigeria today, the number of active tax-paying individuals is under 10 million for the whole country. If citizens were committed to meeting their tax obligations, that number should be equivalent to Lagos State alone, given its population of active workers,” Oyedele said.

The development follows the signing into law of four Tax Reform Bills by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025 — the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA), and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA). The reforms are aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax framework, stimulating economic growth, boosting revenue, and improving the business environment.

Speaking at the summit, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressed that the success of the tax reform journey depends on effective implementation at the state level. He added that Lagos has begun realigning its revenue systems in preparation for the new law, expected to take effect in January.

Sanwo-Olu dismissed concerns that the reforms would burden the poor, explaining that the law is designed to simplify the tax system, reduce multiplicity, prevent revenue leakages, and ensure that wealthy individuals and businesses meet their obligations.

Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, emphasized that close collaboration between the state and its 57 local governments is critical, highlighting the need for data-driven property enumeration and digital integration.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Lagos Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Ayodele Subair, confirmed that plans for public sensitization and digital alignment have been concluded to ensure smooth implementation of the new tax framework across the state.