Nigerian Engineer Builds Tax Platform in 3 Languages

A conversation with a confused shopkeeper about a rumored fuel tax sparked an idea that would help thousands of Nigerians understand their country's complex tax reforms.

Abidemi Adetula noticed something troubling as Nigeria's tax reform debates dominated social media in 2024. Even with his technical background, he struggled to separate facts from rumors about the proposed policies.

When a local store owner mentioned worrying about new taxes she'd heard about online, Adetula decided to investigate. What he found shocked him: clear, accessible information about Nigeria's tax reforms simply didn't exist for ordinary citizens.

"If I was struggling to understand these reforms, how much harder would it be for millions of Nigerians who weren't spending hours researching tax policy?" Adetula wondered. That question became his mission.

In November 2025, he launched TaxInfo, a free platform designed to translate complex tax policies into plain language. The site breaks down proposed reforms into simple explanations that anyone can understand, regardless of their education level.

But Adetula didn't stop at English. Recognizing that language itself can be a barrier to understanding, he added translations in multiple Nigerian languages so more citizens could access accurate information in their mother tongues.

The platform arrived at exactly the right moment. As confusion and misinformation about tax policies spread across social media, TaxInfo became a trusted source for facts, helping thousands of Nigerians understand how reforms would actually affect their businesses and households.

Why This Inspires

Adetula's journey to civic technology started with childhood curiosity about how phones could transfer files via infrared and Bluetooth. That fascination led him to computer engineering, web development, and eventually international clients who believed in his skills before he fully believed in himself.

His 2019 breakthrough came when an international client trusted him with a project he thought was beyond his abilities. Not only did he deliver, but the experience transformed his confidence as a developer.

Years of building e-commerce sites and working on diverse web projects prepared him for his most important work yet: using technology to solve real problems for his fellow citizens. TaxInfo represents the best of civic technology, where engineering skills meet genuine care for community.

In a digital landscape often filled with confusion and misinformation, one engineer proved that clarity and accessibility can cut through the noise and help entire communities make informed decisions about their future.