Nigeria’s Bold Tax Reforms: President Tinubu Stands Firm Amid Controversy

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will begin enforcing sweeping new tax laws from January 1, dismissing criticism over discrepancies between the gazetted text and the version passed by lawmakers.

Tinubu described the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to establish a fair, competitive, and resilient fiscal framework for the country. He emphasized that all recently enacted tax reforms, including provisions that took effect on June 26, 2025, will continue as planned.

However, the rollout is mired in controversy. Opposition lawmakers have alleged that the gazetted laws contain unauthorized insertions that were never approved by parliament. This situation has raised concerns among both the opposition and analysts over potential constitutional breaches.

In a bid to quell dissent, Tinubu urged public and business support for the rollout and pledged to uphold due process. He stated that his administration would work with lawmakers to address outstanding concerns as the reforms enter the delivery stage.

With the clock ticking down to the implementation date, the debate over the legitimacy of these tax reforms is heating up. The President’s assertiveness reflects a broader strategy to modernize Nigeria’s taxation framework, which has faced criticism for its inefficiencies and inequities.

As the nation braces for these changes, all eyes will be on the administration’s next steps. Will the new tax policies foster the economic growth Tinubu envisions, or will the controversy overshadow their potential benefits? The coming months will reveal whether Nigeria can successfully navigate this critical juncture in its fiscal journey.

By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.