Isaac Samuel
President Bola Tinubu has insisted that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws will commence on January 1, 2026, as scheduled, despite public controversy over alleged post-passage alterations to some provisions of the legislation.
In a State House press statement issued on Tuesday, the President said the Federal Government would not disrupt the reform process, stressing that no substantial issue has been established to warrant a delay in implementation.
“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.
The President acknowledged ongoing public discourse surrounding claims that certain aspects of the laws may have been altered after passage by the National Assembly, but maintained that the allegations do not justify halting what he described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reset Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
Tinubu said the reforms are aimed at building a fair, competitive and robust tax system, insisting that the laws are not designed to raise taxes but to harmonise existing regimes, protect citizens’ dignity and strengthen the social contract between the government and the people.
“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,” the statement read.
He urged stakeholders, including businesses, tax professionals and civil society groups, to focus on the implementation phase, noting that the reforms have now entered what he described as the “delivery stage”.
Addressing concerns about legislative integrity, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process, assuring Nigerians that any genuine issues identified would be resolved in collaboration with the National Assembly.
“I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws. The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified,” Tinubu added.
The President added that public trust would be built through consistent and responsible decision-making rather than “premature, reactive measures”.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that promotes prosperity and shared responsibility.
The tax reform package, which has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders since its passage, is expected to significantly reshape revenue administration and fiscal coordination across federal and sub-national governments when fully implemented next year.
