Eshioromeh Sebastian in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly stated that the full implementation of the country’s new tax reforms will proceed as scheduled, with the remaining acts taking effect on January 1, 2026, dismissing calls for a delay or major amendments.
In a State House press release issued on December 30, 2025, the President acknowledged the ongoing public debate surrounding some provisions of the recently enacted laws but declared that no issue had been substantial enough to warrant disrupting the reform process.
“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country,” President Tinubu stated, describing the policies as a critical structural reset for the nation’s economy.
He emphasised that the laws were “not designed to raise taxes” but to drive harmonisation, protect the dignity of citizens, and strengthen the social contract.
The announcement serves as the administration’s definitive response to growing speculation and appeals from some business and civil society groups for a review of the new framework.
The President sought to reassure stakeholders, explaining that “absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.”
While standing firm on the timeline, President Tinubu affirmed his administration’s “unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws.” He pledged that the Presidency would work collaboratively with the National Assembly to ensure the “swift resolution of any issue identified” during the implementation phase.
The tax reform programme is being rolled out in stages. Key legislation first took effect on June 26, 2025. The coming into force of the remaining acts on New Year’s Day 2026 will complete the new fiscal architecture.
President Tinubu concluded by urging all stakeholders to support the process, which he said is now “firmly in the delivery stage.” He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would “continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that supports prosperity and shared responsibility.”
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