Tax Reforms on Track for January 1 Launch, Unchanged Despite Concerns — Oyedele

Nigeria’s landmark tax reform programme will proceed as scheduled on January 1, 2026, with no changes to the implementation timeline, according to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Oyedele gave the assurance after briefing Bola Tinubu during a high-level meeting in Lagos, amid growing public debate and concerns from stakeholders over the scope and impact of the reforms.
According to him, the meeting focused on progress made in implementing the four tax reform laws recently signed into law by the President, noting that the reforms remain central to the administration’s economic restructuring agenda.
He disclosed that two of the four laws — the Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and the Joint Revenue Service (Establishment) Act — came into effect on June 26, 2025, marking the first phase of implementation.
Oyedele explained that the remaining two laws have a deferred commencement date to allow adequate preparation, stakeholder engagement, system upgrades, and institutional alignment ahead of the January 2026 rollout.
“The reforms are on track. Implementation begins fully on January 1, 2026, and there has been no decision to suspend, delay, or amend the laws,” Oyedele said.
He added that concerns raised by professional bodies, businesses, and civil society groups were being addressed through consultations and clarifications, but stressed that such concerns would not derail the reform timeline.
The tax reform package is designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, reduce multiple taxation, expand the tax base, improve compliance, and strengthen coordination between federal, state, and local revenue authorities.
President Tinubu, according to Oyedele, reaffirmed his commitment to the reforms, describing them as critical to boosting government revenue, improving fiscal sustainability, and creating a more transparent and growth-friendly tax environment.
The reforms have sparked intense national debate, with supporters arguing they will modernise Nigeria’s tax framework, while critics warn of potential short-term pressures on businesses and households if implementation is poorly managed.
Despite the concerns, the Presidency maintains that the reforms are necessary to reposition the economy and reduce dependence on borrowing and volatile oil revenues.