President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pushed aside calls for the suspension of the implementation of the new tax laws, maintaining that they take effect on January 1, 2026 as planned.
The tax laws reform had generated heated national debate, most recently over allegations that the gazetted copies differ from the versions passed by the National Assembly.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), among others, had called for the suspension of the implementation.
President Tinubu, in a statement he signed, emphasised that the tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025 and the remaining Acts billed to start on January 1, 2026, would continue as planned.
According to him, these reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for our country.
He stated that 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 support the implementation phase, “which is now firmly in the delivery stage.”
He said his administration was 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. Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised his administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws.
He also said the Presidency pledged to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.
