The Convener of the Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum, SMEF, Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, says Nigeria is haemorrhaging revenue because it keeps attacking those working to protect it.
“We are not the problem. We are the solution,” Dada told our correspondent in an exclusive interview. “Nigeria cannot build a functional revenue system on chaos.”
FROM SMBI TO SMEF: A MISSION OF ORDER
The campaign began in 2017 as “Sanity Must Be It” (SMBI), an advocacy movement against road nuisances. It was formalised on May 21, 2026, with SMEF’s registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Non-political and constitutionally backed, SMEF’s mandate under Article 3 of its constitution covers improving road safety, curbing roadblocks, extortion and harassment, fighting corruption, and partnering with government to entrench transparency in governance and taxation.
“This is not activism without law,” Dada insisted. “We are backed by our own constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Through its operational arm, the Sanity EcoSystem, comprising Dansavist Multi-Concept (DMCL) and SMEL — SMEF has supported 11 local government areas and partnered with Internal Revenue Services and MDAs across Kwara, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun and Kogi states.
PROOF OF IMPACT
Dada points to measurable results. In 2024, the Osun State Internal Revenue Service engaged the Sanity EcoSystem to clear nuisances off the state’s roads. Working alongside OSIRS Legal and the Osun Police Command, order was restored and remittances improved.
In Kogi State, between 2024 and 2026, DMCL managed the Driver and Conductor Badge scheme for government. “We made six arrests of illegal revenue collectors. We handed them to security agencies. Illegal activities dropped,” Dada said.
THE REAL ENEMY: SABOTAGE
SMEF’s current battleground is Mobile Advertisement and Allied Revenue Collection, which Dada calls “one of the most abused sectors in our economy.”
He said illegal operators, multiple taxation and unlawful roadblocks have held the sector hostage for years. “Our interventions flushed many out before the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025. The law is now clear. Mobile advertisement is lawful. The problem is sabotage,” he explained.
THE 4-POINT BATTLE PLAN
SMEF is pushing a four-point, law-backed agenda to end the sabotage:
1. Enforce Section 41(1) — end illegal roadblocks and harassment.
2. Enforce Section 4(2) and the Second Schedule — separate union dues from government revenue.
3. Enforce Section 52 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 — only authorised officers collect revenue.
4. Regularise genuine operators so they can be licensed and contribute to Internally Generated Revenue.
A NATIONAL CALL
Dada disclosed that SMEF is now seeking collaboration with the 36 state Internal Revenue Services and the FCT for constitutional revenue clarification and a nationwide crackdown on illegal revenue.
He warned: “If you kill the brave man defending your home, don’t cry when the enemy invades. Those undermining civil groups and licensed operators are destroying their own defence.”
“This is a national assignment,” he declared. “It means more money for roads, schools, health and security. It means citizens pay lawful tax and government delivers lawful service, as demanded by Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.”
Dada issued a final warning: “We will not surrender. With security agencies and stakeholders, Sanity Must Be It — in every sector.”
SMEF is calling on all illegal operators to desist, get licensed, and operate within the law.
SMBI: Sanity Must Be It, Nationwide.
