‘Nothing Warrants Suspension’, Tinubu Declares Tax Laws Effective Jan 1
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday dismissed calls for the suspension of the implementation of the tax laws, insisting that they take effect on January 1, 2026, as planned.
The tax laws reform had generated heated national debate, most recently over allegations that the gazetted copies differ from the versions passed by the National Assembly.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), among others, had called for the suspension of the implementation.
But the President, in a statement he signed yesterday, emphasised that the tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025 and the remaining Acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, would continue as planned.
According to him, these reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal foundation for our country.
He stated that the tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract.
The president urged all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, “which is now firmly in the delivery stage.”
He said his administration was 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,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised his administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws.
He also said the Presidency pledged to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.
The president assures 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.
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.
