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No fewer than 12 states across Nigeria have enacted the Tax Harmonisation Law recently introduced by the Federal Government as part of ongoing tax reforms, according to Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of State for Finance Designate.
Oyedele disclosed that an additional 13 states have already presented the proposed legislation to their respective Houses of Assembly for consideration, while other states remain at various stages of implementing the reform framework.
He made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 5,900 young entrepreneurs trained under an initiative of the MTN Foundation, held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja. The programme, which focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development, forms part of the Foundation’s efforts to support youth enterprise development.
Through its Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs Training Initiative, the MTN Foundation has trained more than 15,000 young Nigerians since the programme began, equipping participants with practical skills and tools to start and grow businesses.
Speaking on the broader tax reform agenda, Oyedele said the initiatives championed by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu are designed to modernise Nigeria’s fiscal framework, create a more enabling environment for businesses, protect vulnerable groups, and strengthen the country’s economic transformation efforts.
He noted that the Tax Harmonisation Law aims to eliminate multiple and nuisance taxes, reduce instances of taxpayer harassment, simplify tax processes, protect citizens’ rights as taxpayers, and ensure fair and transparent tax administration.
According to him, transparency, fiscal discipline, accountability, and responsible governance are essential pillars of any effective tax system.
Oyedele also encouraged the graduating entrepreneurs to seize opportunities within Nigeria’s economy by maintaining financial discipline, keeping accurate records, building trusted brands, and focusing on long-term value creation.
Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Mosun Bello Olusoga, represented at the event by Foundation Director Surajudeen Yakubu, stated that the MTN ICT Business School Initiative has successfully trained over 15,000 young entrepreneurs since its launch.
He further announced that the Foundation will provide approximately ₦300 million in business grants to selected beneficiaries of the programme, aimed at supporting the growth of innovative startups and entrepreneurial ventures.
Olusoga urged the graduating participants to serve as ambassadors of the initiative, adding that the thousands of young Nigerians already empowered through the programme are expected to create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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