President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Tuesday that the federal government will proceed with the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws from January 1, 2026, insisting that there will be no reversal or suspension of the reforms.
In a statement issued on December 30, 2025, the President said the new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, as well as the remaining Acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, would be implemented as planned.
He said the reforms represent a rare opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s fiscal framework on a stronger and fairer footing. “The new tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026 as planned,” the President said, stressing that the reform agenda has now moved beyond debate and is firmly in the delivery phase.
President Tinubu described the tax reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for the country.
He explained that the laws were not introduced to increase the tax burden on Nigerians, but to reset the system, harmonise existing tax structures and strengthen trust between citizens and the state. “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 all stakeholders, including businesses, professionals, lawmakers and sub-national governments, to support the implementation process in the national interest.“I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage,” he said.
President Tinubu also addressed public discussions and concerns surrounding the new tax laws, including claims that some provisions may be reviewed or altered.
He said his administration was aware of the ongoing public discourse but made it clear that no serious issue had been identified that would justify halting 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. “No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” he said.
He cautioned against what he described as premature and reactive decisions, noting that public confidence in governance is built through consistency and responsible choices over time.“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and respect for the rule of law, stressing that the integrity of laws already enacted must be preserved.“I emphasise our administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws,” he said.He assured Nigerians that the Presidency would work closely with the National Assembly to address any genuine concerns that may arise in the course of implementation.“The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified,” he said.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the federal government would continue to act in the overall public interest, with the goal of building a tax system that supports economic growth, shared responsibility and national prosperity.“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,” he said.
The new tax laws are part of the Tinubu administration’s economic reform programme aimed at simplifying tax administration, improving compliance, reducing duplication and creating a more predictable environment for businesses and investors.With the January 1, 2026 commencement date reaffirmed, the President said attention is now focused on smooth implementation and cooperation across all levels of government.
