President Bola Tinubu signing the tax reform statement to begin the structural reset of Nigeria's fiscal foundation in 2026

President Bola Tinubu has officially cleared the air on the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws, confirming that the remaining acts will take effect as scheduled on January 1, 2026.  

In a personally signed statement released on Tuesday, the President described the reforms as a "once-in-a-generation" chance to build a fiscal foundation that is both competitive and fair. 

He emphasized that the transition is no longer in the proposal stage but is now firmly in the delivery phase.

Contrary to public concerns regarding increased financial pressure, the President clarified that the reforms are a structural reset. The goal is to harmonize existing laws and strengthen the social contract between the government and its citizens.

"Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures," Tinubu stated, reaffirming that no significant issues exist to warrant a delay in the rollout.  

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, echoed this sentiment following a high-level meeting with the President on Friday. Oyedele noted that the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act are "pro-people" by design.  

The strategy behind the new laws is to shift the tax burden away from those least able to afford it. Key projections from the reform include:

  • 98% of Nigerian workers will be fully exempt from taxes or see a drastic reduction in liabilities, aledgedly. 
  • 97% of small businesses will receive similar exemptions to encourage growth and sustainability, aledgedly.

While the implementation continues, President Tinubu pledged to maintain a collaborative relationship with the National Assembly to resolve any emerging issues promptly. 

He assured the public that the government remains committed to acting in the interest of prosperity and shared responsibility.

By maintaining the January 1 start date, the administration aims to provide an economic cushion for the majority of the population while creating a more transparent and robust revenue system for the nation.