A significant coalition comprising 48 federal lawmakers, civil society organisations (CSOs), tax experts, and legal practitioners is set to convene crucial stakeholder meetings in Enugu and Kano states this January. The objective is to monitor, support, and strengthen the rollout of Nigeria's newly enacted tax regime, a move described as vital for the nation's economic future.
National Dialogue for Economic Renewal
The high-level engagements are scheduled for January 17 in the South-East and January 19 in the North-West geopolitical zones. According to the organisers, these sessions are designed to foster a national consensus, improve public understanding, and enhance cooperation among institutions regarding the tax reforms.
Addressing the press, the convener, Honourable Midala Usman, a member of the House of Representatives, revealed the roundtable's theme: “Door to Economic Revolution Comes with Temporary Discomfort but Sustainable Development and Gains.” The event will unite lawmakers from various parties, CSOs, lawyers, professional bodies, youth groups, and small business representatives.
Key Features of the New Tax Laws
Usman emphasised that the Federal Government began implementing the new tax framework on January 1, 2026. He highlighted that the laws introduce 50 exemptions and reliefs specifically aimed at protecting low-income earners, average taxpayers, and small businesses.
The legislative backbone of this reform consists of four key acts:
- The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (NTA)
- The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA)
- The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 (NRSEA)
- The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025 (JRBEA)
“Nigeria cannot achieve true economic renewal without fixing its revenue architecture,” Usman stated. He clarified that the regime is not intended to punish citizens but to build a fair, predictable, and growth-driven economy. He stressed that the nation's economic revival hinges on the total implementation and collective acceptance of these reforms by Nigerians.
Focus on Inclusivity and Legal Safeguards
The selection of Enugu and Kano was deliberate, aimed at reflecting Nigeria's diversity and ensuring the reform process is inclusive and regionally balanced. Discussions at the meetings will centre on several critical areas:
- Tax fairness and the protection of low-income earners.
- Easing compliance burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Harmonising multiple taxes to reduce complexity.
- Establishing legal safeguards and ensuring accountability in the use of tax revenues.
The sessions will also serve as a platform for citizens to voice concerns and propose practical solutions to implementation hurdles.
Speaking for the CSOs, Mr. Meliga Godwin underlined the importance of civil society involvement in building trust. “People are more willing to comply when they understand the system and trust that their taxes will be used responsibly,” he noted, adding that their role is to ensure transparency, civic education, and independent monitoring.
Legal practitioners, including Barrister A. Usman and Barrister Anderson Achilike, confirmed their participation to scrutinise the legal frameworks. They committed to providing guidance on compliance, dispute resolution, and protecting taxpayers' rights, anchoring the system on the rule of law.
Countering Misinformation and a Call for Patience
The coalition firmly distanced itself from what it termed deliberate misinformation and politically motivated attempts to sabotage the reforms. It insisted that constructive engagement, not incitement, is the pathway to national progress.
“Economic reforms require patience, dialogue and sacrifice,” the lawmakers asserted. They called on all Nigerians to engage peacefully, seek clarifications, and collaborate with authorities to make the new tax regime a success for everyone.
Following the meetings in Enugu and Kano, stakeholders are expected to release a communiqué. This document will outline key recommendations, propose monitoring mechanisms, and set timelines for ongoing engagement with relevant government agencies. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to backing policies that strengthen Nigeria's economy, reduce borrowing dependency, expand social investment, and secure prosperity for future generations.
