President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws will take effect on 1 January 2026, as previously scheduled, dismissing calls for a pause or reversal amid growing public debate over certain provisions of the gazetted law.
In a State House press statement issued on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, the President stated that both the tax laws that took effect on 26 June 2025 and those slated for implementation in 2026 would proceed as planned.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He described the reforms as a rare opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework, insisting that the changes were not intended to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians.
“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country,” the President stated.
Addressing widespread concerns that the reforms may lead to higher taxes, Tinubu said the objective of the new laws was broader structural reform rather than revenue extraction.
“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,” he said.
The President urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to back the implementation phase of the reforms, noting that the process had moved beyond policy design.
“I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage,” he said.
Tinubu also responded to what he described as intense public discourse around alleged alterations to some sections of the recently enacted tax laws. He maintained that no compelling issue had been identified that justified suspending or disrupting the reform process.
“Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws,” he said, adding: “No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process.”
The President cautioned against what he called “premature, reactive measures,” arguing that trust in governance is built through consistent and principled decision-making.
“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to constitutional processes, the President said the Federal Government would respect the integrity of laws duly passed and assented to, while remaining open to addressing genuine concerns.
“I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws,” he said.
Tinubu further pledged cooperation with the National Assembly to resolve any issues that may arise during implementation.
“The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified,” he stated.
In a final assurance to the public, the President said the reforms were guided by the national interest and aimed at creating a tax system that promotes economic growth and shared responsibility.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
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