President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the full implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws, dismissing calls for their suspension amid ongoing public debate.
The President made his position known in a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, stressing that the reforms would proceed as scheduled.
According to Tinubu, some of the new tax laws took effect on June 26, 2025, while others are due to commence on January 1, 2026. He described the reforms as a critical step in rebuilding Nigeria’s fiscal framework and insisted that they would not be halted.
The President said the tax reforms were conceived as long-term interventions aimed at fairness, competitiveness and economic sustainability, rather than an attempt to impose additional tax burdens on citizens. He described the initiative as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reset Nigeria’s tax system and strengthen the country’s fiscal foundation.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the laws were designed to promote structural reform, harmonize the tax system and protect citizens’ dignity, while strengthening the social contract between the government and the people.
Tinubu’s statement comes amid sustained public discourse and criticism over alleged changes to certain provisions of the newly enacted tax laws, with some stakeholders calling for a pause in their implementation.
“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,” the President said.
He added that public trust is built through consistency and sound decision-making, rather than what he described as “premature, reactive measures.”
The President’s firm stance signals the Federal Government’s resolve to press ahead with its tax reform agenda, with officials viewing policy certainty as essential for economic stability and investor confidence.
The reforms centre on four key legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.
Signed into law by President Tinubu on June 26, 2025, the Acts are scheduled to take full effect from January 1, 2026, and represent a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system aimed at supporting shared responsibility and long-term economic growth.
