The President acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that no substantial issues have been found to justify halting the reforms. He described the tax laws as a critical opportunity to create a fair and competitive fiscal system, clarifying that the goal is not to increase taxes but to modernize the tax structure and strengthen the social contract.
Tinubu urged stakeholders to support the implementation, assuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to due process and resolving any issues that may arise. He reiterated the administration’s dedication to a tax system that promotes prosperity and shared responsibility.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said: “Nigerians across all walks of life have loudly voiced their displeasure over the smuggling in of very dangerous provisions which were expunged earlier by the Parliament. The controversy has triggered widespread demands for accountability, with Nigerians insisting on a thorough investigation into how the alleged illegal insertions were made, who carried them out, and the process involved.
Rather than address these issues comprehensively, the Presidency has consciously minimised them and instead vehemently insisted that the commencement date must stand, despite the discrepancies. The posture of the Federal Government revealed misplaced priorities, as financial considerations were being placed above the welfare of Nigerians. This disposition clearly shows where the priority of the government lies—between Nigerians and money.
This Tinubu Presidency has always prioritised finance over the welfare and well-being of Nigerians from its inception in 2023, as evidenced by the reckless way it announced and implemented the removal of subsidy, which immediately impacted the economy of the country and caused ordinary Nigerians to suffer irreparable economic damage. In this instance, the President should remember that he is an employee of the people and, therefore, should listen to his employers. He should also recognise that listening to Nigerians must be a primary duty of his administration, rather than serving the narrow interests of people around him.
A mere suspicion, let alone a confirmed fact, that unapproved sections have been smuggled into a law with the capacity to affect all Nigerians is sufficient reason to suspend its commencement. The President must act in favour of the people of this country; to do otherwise is a clear confirmation that money, not the people, is the priority.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has endorsed the January 1 commencement date for the implementation of the country’s new tax reform laws, warning that any delay would amount to “a crime against Nigeria.”
Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, during an interactive session with journalists, 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.” He commended efforts to rectify disparities in the gazetted law but stressed that the reforms should not be discarded. “We would be living in a fool’s paradise to claim that the new tax reform law is perfect. That is why provisions for amendments have been included.”
Oyerinde highlighted the potential economic benefits of the reforms and called for sustained stakeholder engagement. He praised the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms for grassroots engagement but reiterated that the private sector would hold the process accountable.
On macroeconomic stability, he noted that gains had yet to trickle down to the average Nigerian, urging the government to ensure microeconomic improvements in 2026.
