The National Assembly has moved into defence of Nigeria’s controversial new tax laws, urging citizens and stakeholders to support the reforms as essential for strengthening the country’s fiscal architecture and economic future. Lawmakers acknowledged public concerns about perceived discrepancies between the versions passed by the legislature and the copies later gazetted, but stressed that the reforms are legitimate, necessary and designed to modernise the nation’s revenue framework.
In a statement, members of the National Assembly’s leadership said the tax laws set to take effect on 1 January 2026 are part of a broader reform agenda aimed at simplifying tax administration, boosting internally generated revenue and making the business environment more predictable and investor-friendly. They argued that the laws will help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil receipts and provide a more stable base for funding government services.
Lawmakers also urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and misinformation, recommending that citizens engage with the actual text of the laws and their implementing regulations to understand how the reforms will impact them. The Assembly said it remains open to constructive feedback and will support efforts to clarify, harmonise and implement the reforms in ways that protect vulnerable groups while promoting economic growth.
Although opposition parties and civil society groups have continued to call for suspension or review of the laws pending fuller public consultation, the Assembly’s defence signals a resolve to proceed with implementation and build broad public ownership of the tax reform process.
