Tinubu insists new tax will commence Jan 1

President Bola Tinubu has insisted that the new tax law will commence on January 1, 2026.

The president’s statement released by one of his Media aides, Tope Ajayi, is coming on the heels of the pressure from the National Assembly and other Nigerian stakeholders that the commencement should be postponed to allow for probe into the claim that what the National Assembly passed is different from what the President signed, a claim that the presidency and Tinubi’s tax committee have denied.

The President’s statement reads, “The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned.

These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.

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.

I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage.

Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws.

No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process. Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.

I emphasise our administration’s unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws. The Presidency pledges to work with the National Assembly to ensure the swift resolution of any issue identified.

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.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria