President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws will take effect as scheduled, insisting that no proven issue exists to justify halting the reform process.
The President said the tax laws already in force since June 26, 2025, as well as those set to commence on January 1, 2026, will be implemented without delay, despite calls from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for suspension.
In a statement, Tinubu acknowledged public concerns but maintained that they do not warrant disrupting what he described as a critical national reform.
“The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned,” he said.
“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.”
According to the President, the laws are not intended to impose higher taxes but to restructure Nigeria’s fiscal system.
“The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract,” he added.
Tinubu further assured Nigerians that any issues identified would be resolved in collaboration with the National Assembly, stressing that governance requires consistency rather than abrupt reversals.
“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” he said.
However, the PDP has strongly opposed the commencement date, citing what it described as “dangerous provisions” allegedly inserted into the gazetted version of the Tax Act.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said Nigerians were alarmed by discrepancies between the version passed by lawmakers and the one later published.
“Nigerians across all walks of life have loudly voiced their displeasure over the smuggling in of very dangerous provisions which were expunged earlier by the Parliament,” the PDP said.
The party accused the Federal Government of prioritising revenue over citizens’ welfare, warning that the President risks losing public trust if concerns are ignored.
“A mere suspicion, let alone a confirmed fact, that unapproved sections have been smuggled into a law… is sufficient reason to suspend its commencement,” the party added.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has backed the January 1 start date, cautioning against any delay.
NECA Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said postponement would be harmful to the country.
“Let us progress and proceed… not moving forward will be a crime against the country,” he said.
While admitting that the tax laws are not perfect, Oyerinde stressed that amendments can be made without stopping implementation, expressing optimism that Nigerians will begin to feel the impact of the reforms in 2026.
