President Tinubu insists new tax law to commence January 1, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly reiterated that Nigeria’s new tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026, as scheduled, despite growing calls for their suspension and widespread public debate over the reforms. In a statement personally signed by the President, he dismissed suggestions that the implementation date should be postponed or reversed amid controversy over alleged changes to the recently enacted tax legislation. Tinubu described the tax reforms as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fairer, more competitive and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria’s economy and stressed that the new laws are not intended to raise taxes but to support a structural reset, promote harmonisation across the tax system and strengthen the social contract with citizens. He urged all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, noting that the process has moved firmly into delivery and that no substantial issue has been identified that would justify disrupting it. The Presidency also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of the enacted laws, and said it would work with the National Assembly to address any issues that may arise during the rollout. The announcement follows opposition from political figures and some pressure groups who had called for a delay, citing discrepancies between the harmonised and gazetted versions of the tax laws, a controversy the government says does not warrant postponing the start date. The Senate has also voiced support for the President’s stance, backing the commencement of the new tax laws on January 1, 2026, and criticising calls for suspension.
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