Tinubu urged to suspend implementation of new tax policies

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Constitutional and human rights lawyer Ikenna Ahumibe has suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspend the implementation of the new tax policies scheduled to start on 31 January 2026.

In an appeal letter to the president obtained by Daily Sun, the constitutional lawyer 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 has 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 an 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 and reduced economic activity, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“The perceived disconnect between government policies and people’s welfare, predominantly in 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 an immediate moratorium and 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 and engage in meaningful and extensive consultations with civil society, labour unions, and stakeholders, and ensure that the reforms prioritise citizens’ welfare. “The Nigerian people deserve a tax system that is fair, transparent, and people-centric,” he said.