The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the remaining tax reform laws from January 1, 2026, despite ongoing public debates and allegations surrounding the reforms.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the assurance while speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday in Lagos.
Oyedele said the government remains open to engagement with the National Assembly and other stakeholders where necessary, stressing that the reforms are people-focused and aimed at easing the tax burden on Nigerians.
“The allegations about obstruction, the federal government is committed to working with the National Assembly if and when any action is required. And therefore, the plan to commence the new law, the two remaining new laws on the 1st of January 2026, we go ahead as planned, because these reforms are designed to provide relief to the Nigerian people,” he said.
According to him, the reforms will significantly benefit workers and businesses, particularly those at the lower end of the income ladder.
“Bottom 90% of workers will see either no PAYE tax or lower taxes to be paid,” Oyedele stated.
He added that small businesses would enjoy major tax exemptions under the new regime, noting that “97% of them will be exempted from corporate income tax, VAT withholding tax.”
Oyedele also disclosed that larger companies would not be left out of the relief measures, as they are expected to experience a reduction in their overall tax obligations.
“And large businesses will see a drop in the taxes that they pay. The whole idea is to try and promote economic growth, inclusivity, as well as shared prosperity for our people,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the progress made so far, Oyedele said the government is confident ahead of the planned implementation date.
“So, we’re actually excited at the progress we’re making, and we’re looking forward to January 1st, 2026,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about preparedness and expected revenue outcomes, Oyedele explained that the reform process has been thorough and deliberate, spanning several months of legislative and administrative work.
“The tax reform bills were at the National Assembly for nine months, from October 2024 until June 2025. And that, for us, preparation started from day one,” he said.
He added that since the laws were signed, the government has focused on building capacity, upgrading systems, and carrying out public sensitisation to ensure smooth implementation.
“And since the laws were signed, we’ve also had about six months in which we’ve been doing preparation, capacity building, system upgrade, and sensitisation. And you would agree that this kind of reform is a work in progress. You never get to perfection,” Oyedele concluded.
