Tinubu urged to suspend implementation of new tax policies

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Lawyer and human rights advocate, Ikenna Ahumibe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend implementation of the new tax policies scheduled to start on January 31, 2026.

In an appeal letter to the President he highlighted the potential negative impact of the new tax laws on the most vulnerable demographics in Nigeria, and suggested an extended period to allow for more consultation with relevant stakeholders and other inputs from concerned parties.

He highlighted that the proposed tax reforms, paired with the recent removal of fuel subsidies, risk exacerbating economic hardship and deepening poverty among Nigerians.

“Furthermore, the allegation of asymmetries between the passed and gazetted tax bills have raised constitutional concerns and undermined trust in the reform process. Hence, copies of the gazetted laws obtained from the ministry of information seem different from the versions approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“The circulation of laws at variance with those passed by the National Assembly would amount to egregious breach and erode public trust in the legislature. Undoubtedly, the new tax reforms will worsen the economic hardship faced by Nigerians especially with the recent removal of fuel subsidies.

“The reforms are punitive, targeting low-income households and small businesses already battling with inflation and economic challenges. Higher taxes might lead to increased operational costs for businesses,

potentially resulting in job losses, reduced economic activity, particularly affecting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The perceived disconnect between government policies and peoples’ welfare predominantly during this period of high insecurity might provoke unrest or diminish faith in institutions of government.”

He thus advocated a swift correction to correlate the gazetted versions with what was lawfully passed by the National Assembly.

He appealed to the President to consider immediate moratorium, suspend the enforcement of the tax reforms pending a comprehensive review of the impact on human

rights and social welfare.

The President should push for inclusive dialogue, engage in meaningful and extensive consultations with civil society, labour unions, stakeholders and ensure that the reforms prioritize citizens welfare. “The Nigerian People deserve a tax system that is fair, transparent and people-centric,” he said.