President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will proceed as scheduled, with implementation set to begin on January 1, 2026, despite ongoing public discussions about potential revisions.
In a statement he personally signed on December 30, 2025, Tinubu described the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to establish a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal system for the nation. He clarified that the laws, some of which took effect on June 26, 2025, are not intended to increase taxes but to facilitate a structural overhaul, promote harmonization, protect citizens’ dignity, and reinforce the social contract between the government and the people.
The president addressed concerns raised in public discourse regarding alleged modifications to certain provisions of the tax acts. He stated that no significant issues have been identified that would justify halting the reform process, emphasizing that “absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.”
Tinubu pledged his administration’s commitment to upholding due process and the integrity of the laws passed by the National Assembly. He assured Nigerians that the federal government would collaborate closely with lawmakers to resolve any emerging concerns swiftly. “The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified,” he said.
Urging stakeholders to back the implementation, which he noted is now in the “delivery stage,” Tinubu reiterated that the reforms aim to create a tax system that fosters prosperity and shared responsibility. The statement comes amid broader economic discussions in Nigeria, where fiscal policies have been a focal point for both supporters and critics of the administration’s agenda.
The full statement reads:
New Tax Laws Will Commence On January 1, 2026 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.
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.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 30, 2025
