At least 12 states in Nigeria have enacted the Tax Harmonisation Law, a key element of the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms, according to the Minister of State for Finance Designate, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele.
Dr. Oyedele made the disclosure on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, while speaking at the graduation ceremony of 5,900 young entrepreneurs trained under the MTN Foundation’s Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs Training Initiative (also referred to as the MTN ICT Business School Initiative) at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
He revealed that an additional 13 states have tabled the law before their State Houses of Assembly for consideration, with others progressing at various stages of implementation.
The Tax Harmonisation Law aims to eliminate nuisance taxes, prevent harassment of citizens under any pretext, simplify the tax system, protect taxpayers’ rights, and end unfair tax practices. Dr. Oyedele emphasized that transparency, fiscal discipline, responsibility, and accountability are essential pillars of an effective tax regime.
Appointed as Minister of State for Finance on Tuesday, Dr. Oyedele highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms are designed to modernize Nigeria’s fiscal framework, enable businesses to thrive and expand, safeguard vulnerable populations, and drive economic transformation.
He commended the MTN Foundation for its role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, describing it as a builder of the nation’s economic backbone through job creation and empowerment.
The MTN Foundation, through its initiative, has trained over 15,000 young Nigerians since its launch, equipping them with skills in entrepreneurship, business, and innovation. The foundation plans to provide approximately N300 million in business grants to program beneficiaries to support their ventures.
Representing the MTN Foundation Chairman, Mr. Mosun Bello Olusoga, Director Malam Surajudeen Yakubu noted that the empowered youths would create sustainable businesses, generate employment opportunities, create wealth, and contribute positively to society. He urged the graduates to serve as good ambassadors for the foundation.
Dr. Oyedele encouraged the graduating entrepreneurs to think, capitalize on Nigeria’s vast potentials, and prioritize financial discipline, proper record-keeping, brand trust-building, and value-driven operations in their entrepreneurial journeys.
