President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will commence as scheduled, with the remaining provisions taking effect from January 1, 2026, despite ongoing public debate around some aspects of the reforms.
In a statement issued on the implementation timeline, the President noted that the tax reforms already signed into law on June 26, 2025, alongside those slated for January 1, 2026, would proceed without interruption.
According to him, the reforms represent “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.”
President Tinubu stressed that the new laws were not introduced to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians. “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 said.
The President called on all relevant stakeholders to rally behind the next phase of the process, emphasising that implementation has moved beyond planning. “I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage,” he stated.
Acknowledging concerns raised in public discussions about possible alterations to some provisions, Tinubu said his administration had carefully reviewed the issues. “Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws,” he noted.
However, he maintained that no credible justification had been found to halt or delay the reforms. “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 said.
Reiterating his commitment to the rule of law, Tinubu assured Nigerians that due process would remain central to the reform agenda. “I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws,” he said, adding that “the Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.”
He concluded by assuring citizens that the reforms are driven by national interest. “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.”