Tinubu Confirms New Tax Laws Will Take Effect Tomorrow Despite PDP Concerns

President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws, including those that came into effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining provisions set to commence on January 1, 2026, will be implemented as planned.

The statement comes as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) renewed calls for a suspension of the commencement date, citing discrepancies between the harmonized version passed by the National Assembly and the version later gazetted, which it said has sparked widespread public concern.

Addressing the controversy, President Tinubu stated:
“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.”

He emphasized that the laws are designed to support structural reform, drive harmonization, and strengthen the social contract, rather than merely raise taxes.
“I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage,” Tinubu added, stressing the government’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws.

PDP Calls for Law Fix Before Implementation

The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, criticized the Presidency, alleging that certain dangerous provisions were inserted illegally into the gazetted law.
“Rather than address these issues comprehensively, the Presidency has minimized them and insisted that the commencement date must stand, despite the discrepancies,” the party said. They argued that the President should prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over financial considerations and take action to ensure the law is corrected before it takes effect.

NECA Endorses January 1 Takeoff

In contrast, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) endorsed the January 1 commencement date, warning that delaying the implementation would amount to “a crime against Nigeria.” NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said:
“Let us progress and proceed. As more genuine issues are raised, we will continue to make amendments, but not moving forward will be a crime against the country.”

Oyerinde highlighted the economic benefits of the reforms and urged continued engagement from stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. He also called for sustained government efforts to maintain a business-friendly environment and stressed that macroeconomic stability should translate into real improvements for Nigerians in 2026.
“While we focus on macroeconomic stability and the synchronization of fiscal and monetary policies, 2026 should be the year when those gains begin to trickle down to the microeconomy. That will be the biggest plus for this government,” he added.

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