Tinubu rules out non-take off of tax laws on Jan 1

• Pledges increased revenue from new tax regime   
• NYUG, Osun civil society coalition urge reconsideration of implementation

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Sola Ojo, Abuja, Lateef Dada, Osogbo

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the new tax laws, including remaining acts set to commence on January 1, 2026, will proceed as planned, describing the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a fairer fiscal system for Nigeria.

In a State House release he signed on Tuesday, the President addressed growing public concerns over alleged changes to provisions in the recently enacted laws, which include measures that took effect on June 26, 2025.

He emphasised that the reforms aim not to raise taxes but to achieve a “structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract.”

“No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process,” Tinubu stated, urging stakeholders to back the implementation phase now “firmly in the delivery stage.”

He added, “Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures.”

The President’s intervention comes amid heated discourse on potential adjustments to the tax package, which has sparked debates across Nigeria’s political and business circles. Critics have called for reviews, but Tinubu stressed his administration’s commitment to due process.

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

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains focused on the “overriding public interest,” promising a tax system that fosters “prosperity and shared responsibility.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Youth Unions’ Government (NYUG) has urged the President Tinubu-led government to suspend the laws scheduled to begin tomorrow.

The group warned that Nigerians would resist their implementations should the government remain adamant in the public outcry.

The youth coalition, comprising 63 registered youth, student and civil society associations nationwide, added that failure to halt the January 1, 2026, rollout could trigger coordinated nationwide protests.

President Bola Tinubu recently signed four tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act into law.

Tension over the reforms has deepened following claims by lawmakers that the gazetted versions of the tax laws differ from what was passed by the National Assembly.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday after an emergency meeting, NYUG National President, Ambassador Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, accused the Federal Government of pushing through “far-reaching and controversial tax reforms” without public enlightenment, consultation or trust-building.

According to him, Nigerians, already weighed down by economic hardship, remain largely ignorant of the content, scope, and long-term implications of the new tax laws.

“Nigerians are not well enlightened about the essence and implications of this tax reform, yet the government expects blind compliance.

“Even members of the National Assembly are raising alarm over alleged forgery and discrepancies in the tax documents.

“A House of Representatives member, Abdussamad Dasuki and the Minority Caucus have both called for a suspension of implementation pending clarification of alleged discrepancies.

“How do you implement a law whose authenticity is under question?” he queried.

NYUG described the reform process as elitist and exclusionary, faulting the government for limiting consultations to state governors and political allies while sidelining critical stakeholders.

“You sat with governors, the biggest beneficiaries of federal allocations, and excluded youth unions, traders, teachers, drivers and workers. That approach will not work,” he warned.

The group also demanded the establishment of an independent monitoring body to track how federal allocations to states and local governments are utilised, arguing that development at the grassroots remains largely absent despite huge inflows.

“If these discrepancies are proven, then this is a serious breach of executive and legislative integrity.

“A law under authenticity investigation must not be implemented.

NYUG also took a swipe at Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, over his insistence that the January 1, 2026, start date remains sacrosanct.

“This posture is fuelling anger across the youth population.

“Is Nigeria now a banana republic where laws are imposed without legitimacy or public consent?”

The body, therefore, called on President Tinubu to immediately postpone implementation, commence nationwide sensitisation, and allow the National Assembly to conclude its probe, warning that anything short of this would be met with mass resistance.

Like NYUG, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a coalition of civil society organisations in Osun State, equally called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the implementation of the new tax policy due to the widespread controversy surrounding it.

During its monthly address in Osogbo yesterday, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the executive director of TOM, acknowledged the potential benefits of the tax reform but highlighted concerns regarding allegations of document alterations after signing. He noted that conflicting narratives, even from the committee led by Taiwo Oyedele, have led to public apprehension.

“It is essential that such a policy has the support of the citizens, who are meant to benefit from the reform. Proceeding with it in its current form could portray the President as draconian and unresponsive to the feelings and aspirations of the people.”

The coalition also criticised the Osun State Assembly for lacking accountability, revealing that over N2 billion had been expended as of the end of the third quarter of 2025. “We question what responsibilities could justify such expenditure in just nine months. Visible projects like the Gate House and the rehabilitation of the Assembly Quarters remain incomplete, raising concerns about accountability under Speaker Adewale Egbedun.”

The group also urged Governor Adeleke to reorganise the Amotekun Corps urgently, given the rising threats of terrorism and banditry in neighbouring areas, saying “We cannot afford to be caught unaware.”

Expressing concern about the economic hardships facing citizens, TOM called on the Federal Government and state authorities to implement additional palliative measures.

“The leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported that state governors often misappropriate funds intended for their citizens. Reducing corruption and wasteful spending is essential for executing more developmental projects for the public good,” they added.

While commending the recent decrease in fuel prices, the group urged the Federal Government to continue efforts to further lower petrol pump prices to alleviate pressure on average Nigerians, who have been heavily impacted since the removal of fuel subsidies.

As the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches in Osun, the coalition encouraged political leaders to prioritise the growth and welfare of the state instead of pursuing power at all costs, which could jeopardise the safety and well-being of the people.