Pat Stevens/
Nigeria’s ambitious tax reform programme is facing heightened public scrutiny, with the chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, revealing that he has received death threats linked to the implementation of the new tax laws, even as the Federal Government navigates uncertainty surrounding their rollout.
Oyedele said the threats underscored the intensity of opposition to the reforms, which were signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in mid 2025 as part of efforts to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, widen the revenue base and reduce dependence on borrowing.
The new regime consolidates several existing taxes into a smaller number of Acts, while proposing exemptions and reliefs for small businesses and low income earners.
The controversy has been compounded by confusion over the status of implementation guidelines.
Oyedele explained that while the laws remain in force, the issuance of final, comprehensive guidelines has been slowed by uncertainty over the definitive form of the legislation, amid continuing public debate and political pressure.
The Federal Government had earlier announced January 1, 2026, as the revised effective start date for the new tax regime, framing the move as an opportunity for broader stakeholder engagement and clearer communication. However, lingering disputes over the final form of the laws have continued to complicate the transition into full implementation.
Public backlash intensified over fears that some provisions, including fuel related charges and consumption taxes, could further strain households already grappling with high inflation and rising living costs. These concerns sparked protests and drew criticism from across the political spectrum.
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, publicly urged a pause, citing alleged drafting flaws, transparency concerns and claims by some lawmakers that the versions of the laws eventually gazetted differed from those passed by the National Assembly.
The Presidency has rejected allegations of post passage alterations but has acknowledged the need for sustained engagement to address public anxiety.
Organised labour has also demanded a suspension, warning that poorly communicated tax changes could disproportionately affect workers and small businesses.
While the government maintains that the reforms are critical for long term economic stability, it has conceded that clearer messaging and simplified processes are necessary to secure public buy in.
For taxpayers, the situation has created a climate of uncertainty rather than immediate change.
Individuals and businesses are not yet confronted with fully operational new tax obligations, but the absence of clear, finalised guidelines has left many unsure about how rates, exemptions and compliance requirements will apply in practice.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service, now renamed Nigerian Revenue Service, says it is working on simplified forms and administrative processes, though full clarity is expected only once outstanding issues are resolved.
0Related posts:
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆: 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬
Beyond Enforcement: Strategies for Encouraging Tax Compliance – FIRS Director, Tobi Abiola
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
Finance Act: What Experts Say about Nigeria’s Tax System at JMI Seminar
Tinubu’s New Tax Regime as Sovereignty for Sale, By Farooq Kperogi
Tax Reform Dispute Grows as FG Replies KPMG, Faces Online Criticism