President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws will commence as scheduled on Jan. 1, 2026, declaring that there would be no reversal or postponement of the reform programme.

Tinubu made this known in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, following rising public discourse surrounding the newly enacted tax legislation.

The President said the tax reforms, including those signed into law on June 26, 2025, represent a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to establish a fair, competitive and resilient fiscal framework for the country.

According to him, the laws are not designed to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians but to introduce a comprehensive structural reset of the nation’s tax system.

“The reforms are meant to drive harmonisation, promote efficiency and protect the dignity of citizens, while strengthening the social contract between the government and the people,” Tinubu said.

He urged all relevant stakeholders to support the implementation process, stressing that the reform agenda had moved decisively into the delivery phase.

The President added that no substantial issues had been identified that would justify any disruption or suspension of the reform process.

“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” he stated.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and respect for the integrity of laws duly enacted, pledging continued collaboration with the National Assembly to promptly address any implementation challenges.

He assured Nigerians that the government would continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure the emergence of a tax system that promotes prosperity, fairness and shared responsibility.

The News recalls that following a high-level meeting with the President on Dec. 26, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, confirmed that the final implementation phase of the reforms remained on course.

Oyedele said the phase covers the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, both scheduled to take effect from Jan. 1, 2026.

According to him, the decision to proceed with implementation is anchored on the pro-people nature of the laws, which are strategically structured to shift the tax burden away from vulnerable citizens.

He noted that the reforms are expected to provide significant economic relief, with projections indicating that about 98 per cent of Nigerian workers and 97 per cent of small businesses would either be fully exempt from taxes or experience substantial reductions in their tax liabilities.

Oyedele added that the reforms would enhance compliance, improve revenue efficiency and foster sustainable economic growth without undermining social welfare.