BREAKING: Tax reforms will take effect January 1, 2026, Tinubu insists

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reform laws will commence as scheduled on January 1, 2026, despite public concerns and calls for a suspension of the process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President described the reforms as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a fair, competitive and sustainable fiscal framework for the country, stressing that the new laws were not designed to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians.

According to him, the tax reform legislation, some of which took effect on June 26, 2025, while others are slated to commence in January 2026, will proceed as planned.

“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 to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract.”

The President urged all stakeholders to rally behind the implementation phase of the reforms, noting that the process had now entered a critical delivery stage.

While acknowledging the public debate over alleged discrepancies between the tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions gazetted for public use, Tinubu said there was no substantial justification for halting the reform process.

“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.”

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws, pledging collaboration 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,” the President added.

The controversy followed allegations by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, on December 17, that differences existed between the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted copies made available to the public.

The claims sparked public outrage, with some Nigerians calling for the suspension of the implementation of the laws.

However, on December 26, the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives directed the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, to work with relevant executive agencies to re-gazette the tax laws.

Very Nigerian.

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