PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will commence fully on January 1, 2026, insisting that there will be no suspension or reversal of the reforms despite ongoing public debate.
In a State House press statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Tuesday, the President confirmed that tax laws which took effect on June 26, 2025, alongside the remaining Acts scheduled for implementation in 2026, will proceed exactly as planned.
According to the Presidency, the reforms represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a fair, competitive, and resilient fiscal framework capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.
President Tinubu clarified that the new tax laws are not intended to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians but are instead aimed at restructuring the country’s tax system.
“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,” the statement read.
The administration noted that the reforms seek to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce duplication, and improve coordination across the country’s tax framework while promoting fairness and accountability.
The President urged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the private sector, state governments, and civil society to support the implementation phase, stressing that the reform process has moved beyond policy design.
“I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage,” Tinubu said.
The Presidency acknowledged the public discourse surrounding alleged changes or contentious provisions within the newly enacted tax laws but maintained that no significant issue has been identified that would justify disrupting the reform process.
“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws,” the statement said.
“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process.”
President Tinubu cautioned against what he described as premature and reactive measures, noting that trust in governance is built through consistency and sound decision-making.
“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s respect for democratic institutions, Tinubu stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws.
The Presidency also pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly to promptly address any concerns that may arise during implementation.
“I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws,” the President said.
“The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.”
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to act in the overriding public interest, emphasizing that the reforms are designed to promote prosperity and shared responsibility.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The confirmation puts to rest speculation over a possible delay, as Nigeria prepares for the full rollout of the new tax regime at the start of 2026.