President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026, as scheduled, describing the reforms as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for the country.
In a statement personally signed by the President, he said the sweeping tax reforms were aimed not at raising taxes but at resetting Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, harmonising the tax system, and strengthening the social contract between the state and citizens.
“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,” Tinubu said, stressing that the reforms are designed to support long-term competitiveness while protecting dignity and shared responsibility.
The President urged all stakeholders, state governments, businesses, labour unions, and professional bodies, to rally behind the implementation phase, noting that the reform process has moved decisively from legislation to delivery.
“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. I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage,” he said.
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Tinubu’s clarification follows weeks of public debate and political agitation over claims that some provisions of the newly enacted tax laws were allegedly altered after passage by the National Assembly.
Critics, including some civil society groups and professional associations, had raised concerns that sections dealing with harmonisation and revenue administration were either amended or inconsistently reflected between versions passed by lawmakers and copies circulated after presidential assent.
The claims prompted calls in some quarters for a suspension or review of the laws ahead of their full commencement in 2026.
However, the President dismissed suggestions that the reform process should be halted, insisting that no material issue had been established to justify disrupting a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system.
“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws. No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” Tinubu said.
He cautioned against what he described as premature, reactive measures, noting that public confidence in governance is built through consistent adherence to sound decisions over time.
“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” the President added.
Reassuring Nigerians, Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of laws duly enacted by the legislature.
He pledged continued engagement with the National Assembly to address any genuine concerns that may arise during implementation.
“I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws. We will work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified,” he said.
The President further assured that the Federal Government would continue to act in the overriding public interest to deliver a tax system capable of supporting prosperity, fairness, and shared national responsibility.
“I assure all Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that supports prosperity and shared responsibility,” Tinubu said.
The new tax framework, a central pillar of Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, is expected to reshape revenue administration, reduce duplication across tiers of government, and provide a more predictable environment for investment as Nigeria pursues sustainable growth beyond oil revenues.