Taiwo Oyedele is one of Nigeria’s most visible and influential public finance experts. Known for his long career in tax policy and private sector advisory, Oyedele rose from modest beginnings to lead the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms — a high-profile role that has placed him at the centre of national debates about how Nigeria raises and spends revenue.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Ondo State (Ikaram/Ikaremakoko area), Taiwo Oyedele’s early life grounded him in the values that would shape his professional drive. He earned an HND in accountancy and finance from Yaba College of Technology and a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He completed executive education programs at leading institutions including the London School of Economics, Yale University and Harvard Kennedy School.

Early career — joining PwC and building expertise

Oyedele began his professional journey at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where he spent more than two decades. Across 22 years at the firm he moved through advisory and leadership roles, developing deep expertise in tax advisory, fiscal policy and business strategy — experience that made him a sought-after commentator on revenue policy.

Academic and civic engagement

Alongside professional practice, Oyedele serves as an associate professor and guest lecturer, and has chaired boards and committees focused on tax education and regional fiscal integration. He is also the founder of Impact Africa Foundation, a non-profit focused on youth empowerment.

Appointment as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms

In July 2023 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Taiwo Oyedele to chair a Presidential Committee charged with redesigning revenue architecture, proposing structural reforms and recommending measures to improve revenue mobilisation and fairness.

Major policy proposals and the Nigeria Revenue Service idea

The committee proposed the creation of a unified Nigerian Revenue Service, consolidation of overlapping agencies, and measures aimed at increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio — a reform package focused on better administration, digitalisation and equity.

Resignation from PwC and move into public service

Following his appointment, Oyedele resigned from his leadership role at PwC to focus on the national assignment — a step that highlighted his commitment to public service despite the challenges of tax reform.

Public debate, controversy and communication challenges

Tax reform generated intense public discussion. The committee’s recommendations attracted criticism from some quarters and support from others; Oyedele has spoken publicly about the difficulties of reform while stressing stakeholder engagement and transparency in the policy process.

Publications, thought leadership and awards

Oyedele has contributed to professional and policy literature on taxation and fiscal policy, and he has held leadership roles in professional tax bodies — activities that reinforce his influence as both practitioner and thought leader.

Personal life and values

Public profiles describe Oyedele as family-oriented and community-minded; he is married with children and channels effort into philanthropic initiatives related to youth and capacity building.

Legacy: why Taiwo Oyedele matters

Oyedele’s biography is significant because it represents how technical expertise can be mobilised to attempt large-scale fiscal reform in a complex environment. The committee’s proposals — if implemented — could reshape the Nigerian revenue system and affect public finance for years to come.

FAQs

Who is Taiwo Oyedele?

Taiwo Oyedele is a Nigerian economist and tax policy expert who served as Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PwC and later chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms

When was he appointed to lead the tax reforms committee?

He was appointed in July 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

What are the committee’s notable proposals?

Create a unified revenue service, simplify tax administration, broaden the tax base through digital tools and protect lower income earners via targeted exemptions.

Did he leave PwC?

Yes — he resigned his PwC leadership role after his appointment to the presidential committee.

What is his educational background?

HND (Yaba College of Technology), BSc in Applied Accounting (Oxford Brookes) and executive education at LSE, Yale and Harvard Kennedy School.

Conclusion

Taiwo Oyedele’s story combines private sector expertise, academic engagement and public service. Whether or not every policy recommendation is adopted, his leadership of the tax reforms committee represents an important chapter in Nigeria’s quest for a modern, fair and efficient revenue system.