Afenifere Asks FG To Suspend Tax Reform Laws
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 2026 Tax Reform Act, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The organisation hinged its call on content integrity, tax sovereignty, and fiscal governance.
A statement signed by Afenifere Leader, HRH Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, urged the Federal Government to withhold the presentation of the 2026 Budget pending a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
Afenifere raised allegations that the gazetted version of the Tax Reform Act differs from the version passed by the National Assembly as recently claimed by Rep. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP–Sokoto).
The group demanded an independent audit involving National Assembly committees and external auditors, warning that any proven constitutional breach must attract sanctions.
“The implementation of the Tax Reform Bill should be suspended until proven otherwise by both the National Assembly committee and external auditors. If found to be true those responsible for this grave constitutional breach must be held accountable and duly punished,” the group said.
The organisation further condemned reports that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) outsourced the development and administration of Nigeria’s tax system to foreign entities, describing the move as a threat to national security and data sovereignty.
Afenifere warned that surrendering control of sensitive fiscal and personal data could expose Nigeria to economic exploitation.
The statement said, “These are extremely important data protection and national security issues, because a foreign nation administering our tax system gives the nation and its business class undue advantage to analyse and exploit our economic system.
“Both governmental and consumer data are gold mines to those in control or with unfettered access.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
