FG Insists New Tax Laws Begin January 2026

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The Federal Government has said the new tax laws will take effect from January 1, 2026, as scheduled, dismissing calls for any suspension of the reforms.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this in a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, amid public debates over some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws.

According to the statement, the tax reforms, including those that came into force on June 26, 2025, are aimed at laying a strong fiscal foundation for the country and are not designed to increase the tax burden on Nigerians.

“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive and robust fiscal framework,” the President said.

He explained that the new tax regime is intended to drive structural reset, harmonisation and protection of citizens’ dignity, while strengthening the social contract between the government and the people.

Tinubu urged stakeholders to support the implementation phase of the reforms, noting that the process has now entered the delivery stage.

The Presidency acknowledged concerns and public discourse over alleged changes to some provisions of the tax laws but maintained that no serious issue has been identified to warrant a disruption of the reform process.

“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” the statement said, adding that trust in governance is built through consistent and well-considered decisions, not reactive measures.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws, assuring Nigerians that the Presidency would continue to work with the National Assembly to resolve any issues that may arise.

He further assured that the Federal Government would continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure a tax system that promotes prosperity and shared responsibility.