President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s recently enacted tax laws will be implemented exactly as scheduled, insisting that the reform programme remains on course and will not be halted or rolled back.
In a statement he personally signed today, the President said the tax legislation already passed, including those signed into law on June 26, 2025, as well as others set to commence on January 1, 2026, will take effect according to the established timetable.
Tinubu described the reforms as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape the country’s fiscal architecture, saying they are designed to build a fairer, more competitive and resilient tax system capable of supporting long-term national development.
He stressed that the purpose of the new laws is not simply to raise more revenue, but to modernise and harmonise existing structures, reduce distortions, protect citizens’ dignity and strengthen the bond of trust between government and the governed.
According to him, the reform programme has now fully transitioned into the implementation phase and no serious concerns have been identified that warrant suspending or delaying the process.
He added that genuine public confidence would be earned through consistent, sound policy choices rather than “premature or reactive measures”.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to due process and respect for legislation already passed, promising continued collaboration with the National Assembly to promptly address any issues that may arise.
He assured Nigerians that the government’s overriding objective remains the creation of a tax environment that supports growth, encourages shared responsibility and promotes broad-based prosperity.
His position aligns with earlier remarks by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, who stated after a meeting with the President on December 26, 2025, that the final phase of implementation, particularly relating to the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, remains firmly on track.
Oyedele explained that the reforms were deliberately crafted to be “pro-people,” shifting the tax burden away from low-income earners and vulnerable groups. Government projections indicate that almost all wage earners and the vast majority of small businesses are expected to be exempt from tax or experience a substantial reduction in their tax obligations under the new regime.
