President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that the full implementation of the new tax laws will commence tomorrow as scheduled, stating that the date remains unchanged.
His position, contained in a formal statement, reinforced an earlier declaration by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who had maintained that there would be no reversal of the January 1 commencement date.
The renewed resolve followed concerns raised by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, who alleged that the Gazetted version of the legislation differed from the version passed by the National Assembly. The observation prompted opposition voices and groups already against the reform process to call for a suspension of the implementation.
However, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, argued that halting the process was no longer feasible, explaining that two out of the four tax laws were already in force, while the remaining two were scheduled to begin tomorrow.
President Tinubu explained that the reforms mark a historic restructuring of Nigeria’s fiscal framework and are not intended to impose heavier tax burdens on citizens.
In a statement personally signed by him, he described the reforms as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria”.
He emphasised that the implementation phase would continue as planned despite public debates surrounding the legislation.
President Tinubu said: “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.”
He further stressed that the reforms were not revenue-driven, but a deliberate effort to streamline Nigeria’s fragmented tax structure, minimise duplication across different levels of government, and strengthen public confidence in governance.
The President said: “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.
“I urge all stakeholders – state governments, businesses, labour unions and professional bodies –to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage.”
His comments came amid continuing criticism over allegations that certain sections of the law were altered after passage by the National Assembly.
Some groups questioned discrepancies between the version passed by lawmakers and the version later gazetted, and demanded suspension of the law.
Rejecting the calls, the President maintained that no substantive irregularity had been proven to justify halting the process.
He said: “Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws.
“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process.”
Warning against what he termed reactive governance, President Tinubu added: “Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.”
He nevertheless pledged adherence to due process, assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to engage the National Assembly to address any genuine implementation concerns.
President Tinubu said: “I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws.
“We will work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.
“The Federal Government will continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that supports prosperity and shared responsibility.”
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party urged the President to suspend the implementation and “listen to the voice of Nigerians.”
In its reaction, the Turaki-led PDP faction accused the administration of prioritising revenue over public welfare, alleging that “dangerous provisions” were inserted into the laws.
The party argued that insisting on the January 1 implementation despite unresolved issues “clearly shows where the priority of the government lies – between Nigerians and money”.
It further reminded the President that public confidence in governance depends on trust in the legislative process.
Upon assuming office, President Tinubu initiated sweeping reforms of the nation’s tax regime and set up a presidential panel to develop a new taxation structure after nationwide consultations.
Four tax reform bills were subsequently submitted to the National Assembly. Although political leaders and governors from the North openly opposed the reforms, and the National Economic Council advised withdrawal of the bills to allow wider consultation, the President declined, encouraging stakeholders to present their objections during the public hearing.
Despite political resistance, the bills were eventually passed by both chambers — the House of Representatives on March 18 and the Senate on May 7 — and were signed into law by the President on May 26. Implementation began in June with two of the laws.
Fresh opposition emerged after a lawmaker alleged discrepancies between the version passed by lawmakers and the version gazetted.
NECA Supports Implementation Of New Tax Laws
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has declared its support for the implementation of the new tax legislation.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, NECA’s Director-General, Mr Wale Smatt-Oyerinde, commended the presidential committee for engaging stakeholders constructively despite attempts to mislead the public about its intentions.
He called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service to collaborate with the organised private sector to improve public awareness about the new tax regime.
He noted that the reform process had experienced what he described as an intense phase of organised resistance in the nation’s political landscape.
He urged the Federal Government to go ahead with implementation, stating that the alleged alterations raised by the National Assembly were insufficient to obstruct the economic objectives of the law.
Smart-Oyerinde said: “We cannot continue to run the system the way it was run with a lot of inconsistencies. No law is perfect, and that is why we have made provisions for amendments.
“As we proceed, we can make necessary amendments, and by doing so, we are building an institution.”
He explained that the new tax framework is expected to support a more productive business environment, stimulate job creation, and address economic drivers of insecurity.
Smatt-Oyerinde added that the level of resistance encountered by the reforms suggests that certain interests are opposed to the nation’s economic progress.
He said: “I have never seen a regulation or legislation that witnessed this kind of engagement or antagonism; I also probably have not seen an item in our lives that has witnessed this kind of organised chaos.”
He added that the committee had travelled widely to engage stakeholders, until fresh controversy emerged over allegations that the gazetted version differed from the one passed by the legislature.
He appealed that the legislation be allowed to run smoothly in the interest of national development.
