Tinubu stands firm on January 1, 2026, for new tax law rollout
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the new tax laws will take effect on January 1, 2026, despite mounting opposition and controversy over alleged alterations to the legislation. Critics, including Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have called the move hasty and insensitive, citing unresolved concerns about discrepancies in the gazetted versions. The tax reforms, signed into law by Tinubu on June 26, 2025, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system but have sparked widespread debate. Multiple stakeholders, including lawmakers, legal bodies, and civil society, are demanding clarity and a suspension of the implementation until all issues are resolved.
What we know
- Bola Tinubu insists the new tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026, as originally planned, despite calls for suspension.
- The four Tax Reform Bills were signed into law by Tinubu on June 26, 2025, with some provisions already in effect and others set for future implementation.
- Allegations surfaced on December 17, 2025, when Abdussamad Dasuki claimed that gazetted tax laws differed from those passed by the National Assembly.
- On December 26, the National Assembly ordered a re-gazetting of the Acts and the issuance of Certified True Copies to address concerns about discrepancies.
- Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, the PDP, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Nigerian Bar Association, have demanded a halt to the rollout until all controversies are resolved.
