Tinubu Maintains January 1 Start for New Tax Regime Despite Alteration Row
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws will take effect on January 1, 2026, dismissing calls to delay their implementation amid controversy over alleged alterations to the legislation.
In a statement personally signed and issued by the State House on Tuesday, the President insisted that the remaining tax reform laws will begin as scheduled, alongside measures that have already taken effect this year. He described the reforms as a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity” to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework and promote a fair, competitive tax system.
Tinubu stressed that the new tax laws are aimed at resetting the country’s fiscal architecture and strengthening the social contract with citizens, not simply increasing taxes. He urged stakeholders including state governments, businesses, labour unions, and professional bodies to support the rollout, saying the implementation phase is now “firmly in the delivery stage.”
The President also addressed growing public debate over alleged post‑legislative changes to some provisions of the tax laws, asserting that no substantial issue has been identified that would justify suspending the reforms. He pledged to work with the National Assembly to resolve any issues that may arise as implementation begins.
Opposition and Public Concerns
Tinubu’s insistence comes as opposition figures and civil society groups have criticised the decision to proceed amid unresolved questions about discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws passed by the legislature and those eventually published in the official gazette.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the President’s stance as hasty and insensitive, arguing that proceeding without fully addressing the alleged alterations could undermine public trust in the reforms.
Some lawmakers have also launched probes into the reported inconsistencies, and groups calling for greater transparency have urged the government to ensure that the laws truly reflect the National Assembly’s intent.
Despite these pressures, the Federal Government has stood firm on the January 1 commencement date, maintaining that moving forward with the new tax regime is in the national interest.