Nigeria tax reform law is moving forward as scheduled despite rising controversy over alleged discrepancies between what lawmakers passed and what was gazetted. With the January 1, 2026 take-off date approaching, the Federal Government says there will be no suspension, warning that misinformation is fueling unnecessary panic among citizens and businesses.
The controversy centers on claims that sections of the newly gazetted tax laws differ from the National Assembly’s final harmonized version. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, said there is currently no certified harmonized copy from the legislature available for public comparison. According to him, only lawmakers can authoritatively confirm what was transmitted for presidential assent.
Oyedele explained that his committee drafted the tax reform bills and followed a strict integrity process to avoid version conflicts seen in past legislation. He said once the bills entered the National Assembly, lawmakers handled reviews, amendments, harmonization, and certification. His role after harmonization focused on ensuring core policy goals were intact, including lower taxes for workers, relief for low-income earners, and reduced pressure on businesses.
He described widely circulated reports alleging altered provisions as “fake,” noting that some claims referenced clauses that existed only in an unauthorized draft gazette. Oyedele said corrections were made before the final version was officially published and urged Nigerians to allow lawmakers to complete their investigation.
Addressing fears of higher taxes, Oyedele said the Nigeria tax reform law actually cuts PAYE for most workers earning up to ₦20 million annually. He explained that taxable income differs from gross salary after deductions and reliefs. Only about two percent of top earners will pay slightly more, while the majority of middle-income Nigerians will see reductions.
He also dismissed concerns about taxing informal workers, saying artisans and roadside traders will be exempt under a presumptive tax framework. Small operators like vulcanizers and corn sellers, he said, are being protected from harassment through clear thresholds and oversight mechanisms.
Oyedele called for stronger legislative safeguards rather than abandoning reforms, stressing that the Nigeria tax reform law is designed to ease hardship, block revenue leakages, and create fairness across the system as implementation nears.
