BREAKING: No Substantial Reason to Stop New Tax Laws — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said there is no substantial reason to halt the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, confirming that they will take effect as scheduled on January 1, 2026.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the president described the reforms as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal framework for the country. He stressed that the laws are not intended to raise taxes but to reset the tax system structurally.
“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.
“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country. 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 urged all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, noting that the reforms have now entered the delivery stage.
Addressing public concerns over alleged discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions gazetted, Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing debate but insisted that it does not justify suspending the reforms.
“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws,” he said.
“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process. Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.”
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws, pledging to work closely with the National Assembly to resolve any identified issues swiftly.
“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,” he added.
The controversy began on December 17 when Abdussamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives, alleged discrepancies between the tax reform laws passed by parliament and the copies made available to the public. The claim sparked public outrage, with calls from some quarters for the suspension of the laws’ implementation.
In response, on December 26, the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives directed the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, to work with relevant executive agencies to re-gazette the tax laws.
