President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s stance on the country’s fiscal overhaul, stating that the implementation of the new tax laws is commencing on January 1, 2026.
Despite recent legislative debates and public discourse surrounding the gazetted versions of the bills, the President clarified that the reforms are essential for a “structural reset” of the nation’s economy.
Tinubu stated that there is no substantial evidence that the gazetted tax laws were altered in any way or form.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, President Tinubu dismissed calls for a delay, describing the reforms as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a competitive and robust fiscal foundation.
He added that the tax laws commencing on January 1, 2026, include four acts: the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.
He noted that the new tax laws in Nigeria have undergone months of scrutiny and that the delivery stage is now firmly in motion to ensure a seamless transition for businesses and individuals alike.
The President stated: “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.
“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.
“The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract.
“I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage.
“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws.
“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process. Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.
“I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws. The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.
“I assure all Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that supports prosperity and shared responsibility.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the development follows allegations of alterations to the tax laws passed by the National Assembly.
A lawmaker from Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised the alarm during plenary that the tax reform Acts passed by the parliament differed materially from copies in circulation at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Dasuki warned that the alleged alterations posed serious legal and constitutional risks, noting that they were not backed by any constitutional framework and could threaten Nigeria’s democratic order.
In response, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee chaired by Muktar Betara (APC, Borno) to investigate the allegations and report back to the House for further legislative action.
Following the conclusion of the review, the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives directed the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, to take immediate administrative action to ensure the official gazette accurately reflects the versions of the bills originally passed by the lawmakers.
