A section of social media users has reacted to the Tax Reform Award introduced by the federal government to recognise journalists and digital influencers who promote balanced and factual reporting on Nigeria’s tax reform efforts.

Recall Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, announced the award in a post on X on Tuesday, October 28, as he continues the public engagement on the policy.

According to the statement, the award aims “to strengthen constructive public discourse, counter misinformation, and elevate journalism that explains reforms in ways citizens can trust and understand”.

The award is open to Nigerian journalists working across print, broadcast, and online platforms, as well as digital influencers, bloggers, and podcasters.

Oyedele said entries must feature published works between July 1 and December 31, 2025, and can be submitted in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba.

He said the first prize winner will receive N10 million, while the second and third-place winners will receive N5 million and N3 million, respectively.

In addition, Oyedele said a consolation prize of N1 million will be awarded to each of the top 20 finalists.

According to the tax committee chairman, the entries will be judged based on five criteria, including accuracy and technical correctness, balance and fairness, clarity and accessibility, public engagement and reach, as well as creativity and innovation.

Oyedele said applications will open via the fiscalreforms.ng by December 31, 2025.

On June 26, President Bola Tinubu signed four tax reform bills into law, with the laws taking effect on January 1, 2026.

See how a section of Nigerians reacted

Tessyolotta commented: After you win the money you go pay Tax back to them…Sombody shout GLORYYYYYYY!!!!!

im_boombae wrote: Why can’t they sensitize the public themselves?

man_like_joebi said: You need influencers to advertise the government's tax policy, which is going to bring more pain and poverty to the people. You just want to market this tax and force it on the citizens, even though we haven't recovered from the fuel subsidy removal. You are breaking the average person even more. Please, what are your plans? We need answers because we are not seeing any light. We are still not at the end of the tunnel, and the way I see it, to get there, everyone must have given up and turned into hungry lions that can eat anything they see. Please review this policy properly before enforcing it

ogooluwa_il commented: We don’t need explanation. Fix the country with the natural resources we have first then we can consider. 2026 new tax law = revolution

distinct_souvenirs wrote: Dem nor want the influencers to condemn the law . Na the influencers go influence the citizenry