President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that the newly enacted tax laws will come into full effect on January 1, 2026, maintaining the original timeline despite concerns and opposition from some Nigerians and political actors.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the President clarified that the reforms are not aimed at increasing tax burdens but are intended to harmonise the country’s tax system and strengthen its structure.
Tinubu acknowledged that there have been protests and public debates surrounding the new tax framework but stressed that no serious or convincing issue has been identified that would justify halting or delaying the implementation.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would strictly follow due process during the rollout of the laws and continue to engage relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to address any concerns raised.
According to the President, the tax laws that began implementation on June 26, 2025, alongside the remaining provisions scheduled to take effect in January 2026, will proceed as planned. He described the reforms as a rare opportunity to establish a more equitable, competitive, and resilient fiscal system for the country.
Tinubu further explained that the reforms are focused on structural realignment, policy coordination, and protecting citizens’ dignity while reinforcing the social contract between the government and the people. He called on all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, noting that the process has now entered a critical delivery stage.
The President also addressed claims of controversial changes to certain sections of the laws, stating that no substantial evidence has emerged to support such allegations. He emphasized that trust is built through consistent and thoughtful decision-making, not by rushing into reactive actions.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law, Tinubu pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly to quickly resolve any outstanding issues. He added that the government remains committed to acting in the best interest of Nigerians by establishing a tax system that promotes shared responsibility and national prosperity.
Recently, President Tinubu signed four major tax reform bills into law, a move the Federal Government has described as the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in several decades.
The new legislations — the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act — will be administered under a single authority, the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Although the reforms have faced opposition from some lawmakers, particularly from northern Nigeria, they are designed to simplify tax processes, expand the tax base, eliminate multiple taxation, and modernise revenue collection across all levels of government.
