The chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has confirmed that Nigeria’s new tax reforms will take effect on January 1, 2026, despite growing controversy that the tax legislation was allegedly altered after passage, accusations of fraud, and claims that a forged version of the law circulated among officials.
Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have alleged that the version of the tax laws signed by President Bola Tinubu and gazetted differs from the version passed by the National Assembly, with unauthorized alterations allegedly inserted into the text. These include provisions giving expanded powers to tax authorities and new financial requirements that critics say were not approved by lawmakers, raising concerns about transparency and legality. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the alleged forgery as “a brazen act of treason against the Nigerian people.”
In response to these claims, the National Assembly has ordered an immediate re‑gazette of the original tax reform bills as passed by both chambers and instructed clerks to issue certified true copies, effectively acknowledging discrepancies between the passed bills and the version that was published.
Oyedele addressed the situation following a visit by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), chaired by Joseph Tegbe, to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence. He acknowledged reports of forged documents circulating within reform discussions and insisted such issues will not derail the planned implementation.
“The plan to commence the two remaining new laws on January 1, 2026, will go ahead as scheduled,” Oyedele said, noting that the reforms are designed to ease the tax burden on Nigerians. “Under the new laws, 98% of workers will pay no PAYE tax or reduced amounts, 97% of small businesses will be exempt from corporate income tax, VAT, and withholding tax, and large companies will also see tax reductions.”
He added that the reforms aim to promote economic growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity, and expressed confidence that ongoing investigations into the alleged alterations and forged law will uphold the legitimacy of the process.
