The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has reiterated that the Federal Government will proceed with the implementation of the new tax laws from January 1, 2026, despite growing public criticism.
Oyedele said the reforms are designed to ease the financial burden on Nigerians while stimulating economic growth and promoting inclusivity.
He made this known while speaking to journalists after members of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), led by Joseph Tegbe, paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence.
According to him, the government remains committed to the timeline already announced.
“The plan to commence the two remaining new tax laws on January 1, 2026, will proceed as scheduled because these reforms are meant to provide relief to Nigerians,” Oyedele said.
He explained that under the reforms, about 98 percent of workers at the lower end of the income scale would either pay no personal income tax or face reduced tax obligations. He added that roughly 97 percent of small businesses would be exempt from corporate income tax and VAT withholding tax, while larger companies would also benefit from lower tax rates.
“The whole idea is to promote economic growth, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity for our people. We are encouraged by the progress so far and are looking forward to January 1, 2026,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Newssphere reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former Senate Leader Senator Ali Ndume have supported the January 2026 implementation date amid fresh controversy over discrepancies between the gazetted version of the tax laws and the copy passed by the National Assembly.
In response to the controversy, the National Assembly announced on Friday that it has directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the new tax laws to address the identified issues.
