New Tax Laws to Take Effect January 1, 2026 — Tinubu Assures Nigerians

P President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws will commence fully on January 1, 2026, as earlier scheduled, dismissing speculations about a possible suspension or reversal of the reforms. The President made this known in a State House press statement issued on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

According to the statement, the tax reforms—some of which already took effect on June 26, 2025—represent what the President described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation” for the country. Tinubu stressed that the remaining acts will be implemented as planned in the new year.

“The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract,” the President said.

He added that the reforms are aimed at long-term national prosperity rather than short-term revenue gains.
President Tinubu urged all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, to rally behind the implementation process, noting that the reforms have now entered what he called the “delivery stage.” He emphasised that collective support is critical to achieving the intended outcomes of the new tax regime.

Addressing public debates and concerns over alleged alterations to some provisions of the tax laws, the President maintained that no serious issue has been identified to justify halting or disrupting the reform process. “No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” he stated, warning against “premature, reactive measures.”

Tinubu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the sanctity of laws duly enacted. He assured Nigerians that the Presidency would continue to engage with the National Assembly to resolve any issues that may arise during implementation. “Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions,” he noted.

Concluding the statement, the President assured citizens that the Federal Government would always act in the national interest. “I assure all Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that supports prosperity and shared responsibility,” Tinubu said.

The new tax laws form a key pillar of the Tinubu administration’s economic reform agenda, aimed at modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework and strengthening the relationship between government and taxpayers.