Dalena Reporters l December 27, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has insisted that the January 1, 2026 commencement date for new tax laws is non-negotiable and will not be postponed, despite growing controversy and public concerns over aspects of the reform process, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has confirmed to journalists. Oyedele, speaking after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, said the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act will take effect as scheduled because the reforms are designed to provide economic relief and promote growth for Nigerians.
According to Oyedele, under the new tax regime about 98 per cent of workers will either pay no Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax or will see lower tax liabilities, and 97 per cent of small businesses will be exempt from corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and withholding tax, while larger companies will also benefit from reduced rates, reinforcing the government’s argument that the reforms are pro-people and inclusive.
The implementation timeline has drawn scrutiny amid allegations that the versions of the tax laws published differ from those passed by the National Assembly, raising questions about legislative transparency and procedural integrity. Oyedele welcomed the House of Representatives’ review of the matter and stressed that the presidency remains open to working with lawmakers to address such concerns, but maintained that no delay or rollback of the January 1 start date is planned.
National Assembly leadership has also directed the re-gazetting of the tax Acts to clarify the official legislative record, but officials say this administrative step will not affect the scheduled implementation. Government spokespeople continue to emphasise that the reforms are intended to stimulate economic growth, broaden the tax base, and deliver fiscal fairness despite opposition calls for suspension from various groups.