Nigeria’s federal government has vowed to proceed with implementing sweeping tax reforms from 1 January 2026, dismissing calls for suspension amid allegations that the gazetted laws differ from versions passed by the National Assembly.
The controversy erupted after a lawmaker, Abdussamad Dasuki, raised the issue in the House of Representatives, prompting the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate discrepancies.
The panel is due to report back on Thursday. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, warned that any delay would perpetuate an unfair system that overtaxes low-income workers, small businesses and essential goods through hidden VAT.
He attributed much of the opposition to “misinformation”.Mr Oyedele said that even if alterations are confirmed, the affected provisions could be excised while the core laws – aimed at simplifying compliance, exempting small firms and broadening the tax base – are rolled out.
He noted inconsistencies in the passed bills, such as varying definitions of “small business”, which would need amendments.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris urged patience for the National Assembly’s findings, confirming the executive had submitted and received one version of the bills, which were signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June.
Legal experts have raised alarms. Senior Advocate Salman Jawondo described potential post-passage insertions as “forgery” and warned that unlawful provisions could be nullified in court, collapsing any actions based on them.
Opposition figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi have criticised the laws, while groups such as the African Democratic Congress have demanded suspension. Analysts say the row highlights tensions between the executive and legislature in Africa’s largest economy.