Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, has dismissed rumors that the federal government plans to outsource tax collection to Alpha-Beta, a company believed to be connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a town hall on the Tax Reform Bill, organized by Channels TV, Oyedele clarified that there are no such plans. Alpha-Beta, a private firm, currently handles the calculation, tracking, and reconciliation of Lagos State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) for a commission. When questioned about the possible outsourcing of tax collection, Oyedele stated, “In fact, we had a very interesting debate at the committee level. I wanted to include a clause in the law that would prevent any government from using consultants to collect taxes, as we believe this is a major issue for our economy today.”
Although the clause was not included in the current bills, Oyedele emphasized that there are no plans to hire consultants for federal tax collection. “I can confirm to you 100 percent that there is no plan whatsoever to use consultants for any of this,” he assured.
The four tax-related bills—comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—are currently under review by the National Assembly. The bills have stirred controversy since their introduction, with some supporters backing the reforms, while others, including the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), have voiced concerns, claiming that the bills could disadvantage certain regions of the country. They have called for further consultation before the bills are passed.
In response to these concerns, the presidency rejected accusations that the bills were designed to impoverish the northern region. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga called such claims “misleading,” stating, “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer.”
Onanuga emphasized that the bills aim to improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians, particularly the disadvantaged, and will not harm the economy of any region. He also debunked rumors that the bills would lead to the abolition of key agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, which are funded through budgetary provisions and taxes paid by businesses. “Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that these agencies will cease to exist after 2029,” he said.
Onanuga further explained that the tax reform is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and create a more conducive environment for businesses. He noted that Nigerian businesses have long complained of being overburdened by multiple taxes and levies, many of which fund various government agencies and initiatives. This complexity, he argued, has made Nigeria less competitive for investment and hindered business growth.
“The proposal in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill seeks to consolidate some of the taxes imposed on companies into a single tax, which will be shared with key agencies in a phased manner until 2030,” Onanuga clarified. “This gives the affected agencies time to find other funding sources, in line with the constitution and international best practices.”
He concluded by emphasizing that changing an agency’s funding model does not equate to its dissolution, pointing out that no leading global country relies on earmarked taxes to fund agencies.
