Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has raised concerns over the enforcement of Nigeria’s new tax laws, arguing that they cannot take effect until controversies surrounding their legitimacy are resolved.
Speaking on Wednesday in his Ilawe-Ekiti hometown, Falana warned that the federal government should have addressed outstanding issues in the final days of 2025 and provided clean copies of the new tax legislation before the January 1, 2026 deadline.
“If that was not done, the government would put itself in trouble by deciding to implement the laws. There are interest groups ready to challenge the legitimacy of the laws,” Falana said.
President Bola Tinubu, however, reaffirmed on Tuesday that the new tax laws will take effect as scheduled on January 1, 2026, despite objections from some quarters. He emphasized that the reforms are intended not to increase taxes, but to harmonize and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.
In a statement, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to due process, promising to work closely with all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to resolve any issues identified in the legislation.
“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 statement read.
He added, “The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonization, 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.”
President Tinubu further emphasized that while public discussions and concerns about alleged changes to the tax laws are acknowledged, “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.”
He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to act in the public interest to maintain a tax system that promotes prosperity and shared responsibility.
© 2025 Gossip News Now, a division of CHIEJOS HARBIAN DIGITAL MEDIA LTD. Contact us via admin@gossipnewsnow.online
