New Tax Laws to Take Effect January 1, 2026 as Planned — Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Reform

Published by Naijajistreal96 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws will commence fully on January 1, 2026, as earlier scheduled, despite ongoing public discussions and concerns surrounding some provisions of the reforms. The President made this clear in a statement issued on December 30, 2025, underscoring his administration’s resolve to stay the course on what he described as a “once-in-a-generation” fiscal reform agenda.

According to the Presidency, the tax reforms include laws that already took effect on June 26, 2025, as well as additional acts slated to begin implementation at the start of the new year. Together, these measures are designed to reset Nigeria’s fiscal framework, strengthen the social contract between government and citizens, and create a more competitive and harmonised tax system.

President Tinubu stressed that the reforms are not aimed at increasing the tax burden on Nigerians. Instead, they are intended to address long-standing structural inefficiencies in the tax system, eliminate overlaps, and ensure fairness and dignity for taxpayers while improving government revenue administration.

“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country,” the President said. “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 President acknowledged the intense public discourse that has followed the enactment of the new tax laws, including allegations that certain provisions may be altered or reversed. However, he made it clear that no substantial issue has been identified that would justify halting or disrupting the reform process at this critical stage.

“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws,” Tinubu noted. “No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process.”

He warned against what he described as “premature, reactive measures,” emphasizing that trust in governance is built gradually through consistency and adherence to sound decision-making, not sudden policy reversals driven by pressure or speculation.

“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” the President stated.

As implementation enters what he described as the “delivery stage,” President Tinubu called on all stakeholders—state governments, the private sector, tax administrators, organised labour, and civil society—to support the rollout of the reforms. He emphasized that broad cooperation is essential for achieving the intended outcomes of a more efficient, transparent, and equitable tax system.

The Presidency also reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the integrity of laws duly passed and enacted. President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains fully aligned with constitutional procedures and democratic principles in managing the reform process.

“I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws,” he said.

In addressing potential concerns or technical issues that may arise during implementation, the President pledged close collaboration with the National Assembly. According to him, any genuine issues identified in the course of implementation will be addressed promptly and responsibly through legislative engagement, rather than unilateral executive action.

“The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified,” Tinubu assured.

Reiterating his broader vision for Nigeria’s economic future, the President said the ultimate goal of the tax reforms is to support national prosperity and shared responsibility. He maintained that a well-structured tax system is critical to funding public services, infrastructure, and social investments, while also fostering trust between citizens and the state.

“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,” the statement concluded.

The new tax laws are expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s broader economic reform agenda, which includes stabilising public finances, improving the ease of doing business, and reducing reliance on borrowing. As January 1, 2026 approaches, attention will increasingly shift from debate to execution, with the success of the reforms likely to depend on transparent implementation and sustained stakeholder engagement