ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the Federal Government will proceed with the implementation of the new tax reform laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and others scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, despite calls for a suspension.
The stance comes amid renewed pressure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has urged the Presidency to halt the commencement of the Tax Act. The opposition party cited alleged inconsistencies between the version approved by the National Assembly and the one later published in the official gazette, raising nationwide concerns.
In a statement, President Tinubu said the administration had carefully reviewed all objections raised but found no compelling reason to interrupt the reform agenda. He described the tax reforms as a historic opportunity to establish a fairer and more competitive fiscal framework.
According to the President, the laws are not intended to increase tax burdens but to harmonise existing structures, strengthen the social contract, and reposition the country’s revenue system for long-term growth. He urged stakeholders to support the implementation phase, noting that the process has now moved firmly into delivery.
Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to due process and pledged collaboration with the National Assembly to promptly resolve any identified issues, stressing that governance decisions must be deliberate rather than reactionary.
He added that the Federal Government remains focused on acting in the broader public interest to create a tax system that promotes shared responsibility and national prosperity.
PDP CALLS FOR SUSPENSION
However, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, insisted that Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage over what it described as the insertion of controversial provisions earlier removed by lawmakers.
The party said the controversy has sparked demands for a comprehensive investigation into how the alleged alterations occurred and who was responsible. It accused the Presidency of downplaying the issue while insisting on sticking to the implementation timeline.
According to the PDP, the government’s position reflects misplaced priorities, arguing that financial considerations are being placed above citizens’ welfare. The party referenced previous economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, as evidence of policies that have inflicted hardship on Nigerians.
The PDP urged the President to remember his obligation to the electorate and prioritise public interest, warning that even suspicions of unauthorised amendments to a law affecting all Nigerians justify delaying its commencement.
NECA BACKS IMPLEMENTATION
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has thrown its weight behind the January 1 implementation date, cautioning that any delay would be detrimental to the country.
NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, during an interactive session with journalists, said the reform process should continue while identified gaps are addressed through amendments.
He acknowledged concerns over discrepancies in the gazetted law but maintained that they were not serious enough to derail the entire reform effort. Oyerinde noted that no legislation is flawless and that amendment provisions were deliberately included for that purpose.
Highlighting the potential economic gains of the reforms, he stressed the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement and commended the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, for extensive consultations nationwide.
While expressing private sector support, Oyerinde said NECA would continue to hold the process accountable in the national interest. He also called for greater policy stability to improve the business climate and ensure that macroeconomic improvements translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians in 2026.
