New tax laws take effect as Tinubu rejects calls for suspension
Story by Martha Gwary
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will be implemented as scheduled, dismissing calls for a delay amid growing political controversy.
In a statement, the President said the laws that took effect on June 26, 2025, alongside other acts due to commence on January 1, 2026, would proceed as planned, describing the reforms as critical to Nigeria’s fiscal future.
His position comes as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) renewed its demand for a suspension of the commencement date, citing alleged discrepancies between the version of the Tax Act passed by the National Assembly and the version later gazetted.
Tinubu acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders but insisted that no substantial issue had been established to justify halting the reform process.
“The new tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but to drive harmonisation, support a structural reset and strengthen the social contract,” the President said, urging stakeholders to support the implementation phase.
He added that the administration remained committed to due process and would work with the National Assembly to resolve any issues identified, stressing that trust is built through sound decisions rather than “premature, reactive measures”.
READ ALSO: Tinubu reaffirms January 2026 rollout for new tax regime
The President assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to act in the overriding public interest to deliver a fair and competitive tax system that supports shared prosperity.
However, the PDP accused the Presidency of downplaying what it described as “dangerous provisions” allegedly reinserted into the law after parliamentary approval.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said the controversy had triggered nationwide demands for accountability and a thorough investigation into how the alleged insertions were made.
The opposition argued that insisting on implementation despite unresolved discrepancies showed misplaced priorities, claiming the government was placing financial considerations above the welfare of Nigerians.
The PDP further said the President should remember that democratic obedience to laws depends on public confidence that legislators duly debated and approved them, adding that even suspicion of illegal alterations was enough reason to suspend commencement.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has backed the January 1, 2026 commencement date, warning that delaying the reforms would be “a crime against Nigeria”.
READ ALSO: Tinubu to present 2026 budget at NASS
NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said the discovery of disparities in the gazetted law was not sufficient reason to abandon the entire reform process, noting that no legislation is ever perfect.
He explained that provisions for amendments were already included and urged stakeholders to remain engaged to ensure effective implementation and long-term economic benefits.
Oyerinde also called for greater stability in the microeconomic environment, expressing optimism that Nigerians and businesses would begin to feel the impact of the reforms in the New Year, particularly if supportive and consistent policies are sustained.
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