In a move hailed by supporters as a bold step toward fiscal modernization and criticized by others as potentially burdensome, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today signed into law four sweeping tax reform bills aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s complex and fragmented tax system.
The signing ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was attended by key government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and members of the Federal Executive Council.
The newly enacted laws include: Consolidates multiple tax statutes to simplify compliance and reduce the burden on small businesses.
Establishes a uniform legal framework for tax administration across all levels of government.
Replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service with a more autonomous and performance-driven Nigeria Revenue Service.
Formalizes cooperation among federal, state, and local tax authorities, introducing oversight bodies such as a Tax Appeal Tribunal and a Tax Ombudsman.
President Tinubu described the reforms as “a foundational shift toward a fairer, more transparent, and pro-growth tax system,” emphasizing that the new laws are designed to protect low-income earners and small businesses while boosting investor confidence and government revenue.
“These reforms are not about raising taxes—they are about raising fairness,” the President stated. “We are dismantling a system that punished productivity and rewarded inefficiency.”
While the administration touts the reforms as a milestone in its Renewed Hope Agenda, critics have raised concerns over the speed of implementation and the potential impact on already strained households and businesses. Civil society groups and some opposition lawmakers have called for broader consultations and clearer safeguards to prevent abuse.
The Presidency has pledged to roll out a nationwide awareness campaign and stakeholder engagement process to ensure smooth implementation and public understanding of the new tax framework.