Tinubu Confirms New Tax Laws Will Take Effect January 1, 2026, Dismisses Delay Rumours
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will take effect as scheduled on January 1, 2026, rejecting growing speculation that the reforms may be delayed or reversed amid controversy over alleged alterations to the gazetted documents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu said all recently signed tax reforms — including provisions that came into force on June 26, 2025 — remain firmly on track. He described the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to rebuild Nigeria’s fiscal framework into one that is fair, competitive, and resilient.
The President stressed that the new tax laws are not designed to increase the tax burden on Nigerians, but to reset the country’s fiscal structure, harmonise tax administration, and strengthen the social contract between the government and citizens while preserving human dignity.
“The implementation phase is now firmly in the delivery stage,” Tinubu said, urging stakeholders to support the rollout of the reforms.
Addressing reports of possible amendments to the laws, the President said no substantial issues have been identified that would warrant disrupting the reform process. He warned against what he described as premature and reactive decisions, noting that public trust in governance depends on consistency and adherence to due process.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the sanctity of duly enacted laws, adding that the Presidency would continue working with the National Assembly to address any concerns that may arise during implementation.
The controversy stems from claims raised in the House of Representatives by Rep. Abdulsammad Dasuki (Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Sokoto State), who alleged that the gazetted versions of the tax laws differed from what lawmakers debated and passed. Citing a breach of legislative privilege, Dasuki called for scrutiny of the documents.
In response, the House constituted a seven-member ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged discrepancies between the passed bills and the assented, gazetted versions.
The allegations have fueled calls from some stakeholders for the suspension of the January 1 commencement date. However, the Presidency has now made it clear that the reforms will proceed as planned, with any concerns to be addressed through institutional channels rather than delays.
