No Going Back on January 1 Tax Law Commencement — Tinubu
Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi
ABUJA, NIGERIA —President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will come into force on January 1, 2026 as scheduled, dismissing calls for delays or reversal of the timeline amid ongoing public debate and concerns. Tinubu described the reforms as a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity” to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal framework and emphasised that the commencement date is non‑negotiable.[1]
In an official State House statement, the President explained that the tax laws — part of a broader overhaul that includes the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and other related fiscal reforms — are not designed to increase tax burdens, but rather to support a structural reset, harmonise the tax system, and strengthen the social contract between government and citizens. He stressed that no substantive issue justifies disrupting the reform process and urged stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which he said is now firmly in the delivery stage. [1]The Federal Government has maintained that 98 per cent of workers and 97 per cent of small businesses will either be exempt from taxes or see reduced liabilities under the new regime, while larger corporations will benefit from streamlined tax structures. Despite controversy over alleged discrepancies in the gazetted versions of the laws, the Presidency reiterated its commitment to due process and pledged to work with the National Assembly to resolve concerns swiftly, without delaying the January 1 commencement. [2]
Citations:
1. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/30/for-the-record-president-tinubus-statement-on-the-commencement-of-tax-laws-on-january-1-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com2. Sahara Reporters: saharareporters.com/2025/12/27/january-1-deadline-controversial-tax-laws-non-negotiable-oyedele-says-amid-alleged?utm_source=chatgpt.com3. Arise News: www.arise.tv/new-tax-laws-to-take-effect-january-1-as-planned-tinubu-insists/?utm_source=chatgpt.com4. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.: www.legit.ng/nigeria/1690353-breaking-tax-laws-commence-january-1-2026-planned-fg/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
