The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will come into force on January 1, 2026, as scheduled, firmly dismissing reports suggesting a possible suspension or reversal of the reforms.
The Presidency said the reforms, some of which already took effect from June 26, 2025, mark a defining moment in Nigeria’s fiscal evolution, describing them as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to overhaul the nation’s tax architecture and rebuild trust between the state and citizens.
In a statement on Monday, the government stressed that the new tax regime is not intended to impose additional burdens on Nigerians but to reset the system through harmonisation, efficiency and fairness, while safeguarding businesses and individual livelihoods.
According to the Presidency, the reforms are designed to streamline tax administration, eliminate duplication and improve clarity for taxpayers, with a strong emphasis on widening compliance rather than raising rates.
“These reforms are about creating a system that works — one that is transparent, predictable and equitable for both government and taxpayers,” the statement noted.
The Federal Government also called on key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, state governments, the private sector and civil society groups, to rally behind the implementation phase, noting that the reform process has now moved decisively from policy design to delivery.
Reacting to public debates over alleged alterations to certain provisions of the laws, the Presidency said no material issue has been identified that warrants disrupting the reform timetable.
“Trust is built by consistency and sound decision-making, not by reactive reversals,” the statement said, underscoring that policy stability is critical to achieving long-term fiscal objectives.
The administration further reiterated its commitment to due process and respect for existing laws, assuring that it would continue to work closely with the National Assembly to address any implementation challenges as they arise.
The Presidency concluded by assuring Nigerians that the reforms are being driven in the overriding public interest, with the ultimate goal of building a modern, competitive tax system that supports economic growth, shared responsibility and inclusive national development.New tax laws take effect January 1 as planned — Presidency
By Terhemba Daka
December 30, 2025
ABUJA — The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will come into force on January 1, 2026, as scheduled, firmly dismissing reports suggesting a possible suspension or reversal of the reforms.
The Presidency said the reforms, some of which already took effect from June 26, 2025, mark a defining moment in Nigeria’s fiscal evolution, describing them as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to overhaul the nation’s tax architecture and rebuild trust between the state and citizens.
In a statement on Monday, the government stressed that the new tax regime is not intended to impose additional burdens on Nigerians but to reset the system through harmonisation, efficiency and fairness, while safeguarding businesses and individual livelihoods.
According to the Presidency, the reforms are designed to streamline tax administration, eliminate duplication and improve clarity for taxpayers, with a strong emphasis on widening compliance rather than raising rates.
“These reforms are about creating a system that works — one that is transparent, predictable and equitable for both government and taxpayers,” the statement noted.
The Federal Government also called on key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, state governments, the private sector and civil society groups, to rally behind the implementation phase, noting that the reform process has now moved decisively from policy design to delivery.
Reacting to public debates over alleged alterations to certain provisions of the laws, the Presidency said no material issue has been identified that warrants disrupting the reform timetable.
“Trust is built by consistency and sound decision-making, not by reactive reversals,” the statement said, underscoring that policy stability is critical to achieving long-term fiscal objectives.
The administration further reiterated its commitment to due process and respect for existing laws, assuring that it would continue to work closely with the National Assembly to address any implementation challenges as they arise.
The Presidency concluded by assuring Nigerians that the reforms are being driven in the overriding public interest, with the ultimate goal of building a modern, competitive tax system that supports economic growth, shared responsibility and inclusive national development.
