The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified his recent statements after reports emerged suggesting that the committee was considering recruiting “area boys” for tax enforcement. Oyedele debunked the claims, stating that he was quoted out of context.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Oyedele was initially quoted as suggesting the training and payment of “area boys” for tax collection, creating confusion and controversy. However, in a statement on his official social media account on Saturday,
Oyedele set the record straight, emphasizing that he did not propose the recruitment of individuals already engaged in tax enforcement.
Oyedele clarified that the term “area boys” referred to those already involved in enforcing tax collection, often through unorthodox means. He highlighted the existing challenges with the current tax system, where these collectors often resort to crude methods, resulting in meagre revenues for the government despite the burden on small businesses and artisans.
He further explained, “The issue I addressed during my interview on Channels TV… was how to get the buy-in of those who currently collect these taxes… I did not mention any words like recruit or employ.” Oyedele stressed the need for a practical solution that involves training current collectors to behave more civilly and paying them decently to drive and monitor compliance.
The chairman advocated for a win-win outcome where taxpayers pay less, are treated with dignity, the government earns more, and society reaps large benefits.
Oyedele’s clarification aims to address misconceptions and controversies surrounding the proposed tax enforcement strategy, emphasising a more civil and efficient approach to tax collection.
