The Federal Government has signalled that the success of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform programme will be assessed primarily on fairness and inclusiveness rather than revenue performance.
Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of State for Finance and chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, stated this at the launch of the Purple Book in Abuja.
Oyedele, represented by Albert Folorunsho, the minister and committee member, described the reform programme as one of the most extensive fiscal overhauls in recent years, reflecting a shift in revenue mobilisation, economic inclusion, and the relationship between the government and citizens.
The document is intended to promote gender equity and social inclusion across governance and economic participation.
He noted that four key pieces of legislation have emerged from the reform agenda: the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Act. The laws are designed to modernise the tax system and improve efficiency.
The Purple Book captures outcomes from the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit and outlines practical steps to deepen gender-responsive policymaking while expanding opportunities for women, youth and vulnerable groups.
The event, organised by the Policy Innovation Centre, brought together policymakers, development partners, private-sector players, and civil society to examine how the 2026 tax reforms can drive inclusive growth.
Although Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to about 12.5 per cent following GDP rebasing, the broader goal remains to develop a more equitable and efficient fiscal system to support long-term growth.
The reforms are expected to expand economic participation, particularly among small businesses and informal-sector operators, who account for the majority of the workforce, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Provisions such as VAT exemptions and zero-rating of essential goods are expected to ease pressure on low-income households, while expanded access to input VAT credits is aimed at improving business liquidity and encouraging reinvestment.
The framework also introduces clearer guidelines for taxing digital businesses, reducing uncertainty for startups and supporting the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Officials emphasised that effective implementation will be critical, with focus areas including fair enforcement, improved digital access, disability inclusion and taxpayer education.
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the need to translate inclusion-focused policy discussions into measurable outcomes, while also calling for a tax system that supports enterprise and broadens opportunities for women, youth and informal workers.
Development partners, including Luminate, Pathfinder International, the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, reiterated support for inclusive economic growth.
The Purple Book is expected to inform ongoing policy debates and guide the integration of gender and social inclusion into national development planning ahead of the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit themed “Making Innovation Count for the Last Mile.”
