Tinubu stands firm on tax reforms, dismisses calls for suspension

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will be implemented as scheduled, pushing back against calls from critics and stakeholders demanding a pause in the reform process.

The President made this known in a post shared on his official X account on Tuesday, stressing that the reforms are critical to rebuilding Nigeria’s fiscal structure. While some of the laws took effect on June 26, 2025, others are expected to come into force on January 1, 2026.

Reforms are structural, not punitive — Tinubu

Tinubu described the tax reforms as a long-term intervention aimed at fairness, competitiveness, and economic sustainability, rather than an attempt to impose additional financial pressure on Nigerians.

According to him, the measures represent a rare opportunity to reset the country’s tax system, harmonise revenue collection, and strengthen the relationship between government and citizens.

“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,” the President said.

He added that the reforms are designed to improve efficiency and restore confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

Government unmoved by criticism

Tinubu’s comments come amid sustained public debate over alleged alterations to certain provisions of the tax laws, with some stakeholders urging the Federal Government to suspend implementation.

However, the President maintained that no compelling issue has been identified that would justify halting the process, warning against reactive policy decisions.

“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws,” he said, adding that trust in governance is built through consistency and well-considered decisions.

Ekiti becomes the first Nigerian state to adopt the Nigerian Tax Administration Act

The reforms are anchored 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 in June 2025, the Acts represent a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system, with full implementation slated for January 2026.