SMEDAN Hosts 2nd National Town Hall on Tax Reforms as Oyedele Unveils Safeguards for MSMEs, Vulnerable Nigerians

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has convened its second National Town Hall Meeting on Tax Reforms, bringing together policymakers, tax experts and hundreds of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) operators to demystify Nigeria’s evolving fiscal policies and align them with the realities of small business operations.

The event, held in Abuja on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, featured a keynote presentation by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who outlined key measures embedded in the ongoing reforms to protect low-income earners while stimulating the growth of small businesses across the country.

Addressing participants, Oyedele explained that the philosophy driving the current tax reforms is anchored on fairness and sustainability, stressing that government intends to “tax the fruit, not the seed.” According to him, the reforms are designed to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians and nano-businesses are shielded from excessive tax burdens, while productive enterprises are encouraged to grow and create jobs.

He highlighted several components of the reform agenda, including plans to exempt low-income earners and very small businesses from onerous tax obligations, eliminate multiple and “nuisance” levies that affect traders in the informal sector, and remove hidden taxes on essential goods and logistics to help stabilise prices and curb inflation.

Oyedele also spoke on simplifying Nigeria’s complex tax codes and increasing awareness of tax incentives, holidays and rebates that many MSMEs are eligible for but have been unable to access due to lack of information.

In his remarks, the Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, said the Town Hall provided a rare opportunity for a frank and unfiltered engagement between policymakers and entrepreneurs. He noted that the presence of the Presidential Committee allowed MSME operators to move beyond hearsay and directly engage those shaping fiscal policies that affect their businesses.

Dr. Odii reaffirmed SMEDAN’s role as the apex agency for MSME development in Nigeria, stating that the agency remains committed to policy advocacy, capacity building and creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive. He added that similar town hall engagements would be replicated across the country to ensure that nano, micro and small enterprises benefit from the growth and prosperity