Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has outlined uncertainty, cost, technology, and capacity building as major challenges the federal government must address as the new tax laws take effect from January 1, 2026.
Dogara, who also chairs the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited, made tlhe disclosure at the inaugural Parliamentarian Lecture organized by the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja. He described the reforms as a pact between government and citizens, stressing the need for trust and transparency.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen represented by his spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, noted that no nation prospers without a fair and transparent tax system, adding that a vibrant and informed media is vital to strengthening democracy.
Special Assistant to the FIRS Chairman on Tax Policy, Olufemi Olarinde, who represented Dr. Zacch Adedeji, said sensitization campaigns are ongoing to enlighten citizens, clarifying that the laws will only take effect after an official order from the Minister of Finance is gazette. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, backed the reforms but called for transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Leaders of the NUJ FCT Council and the House Press Corps stressed the importance of clear communication, noting that multiple narratives around petroleum tax, data tax, and the use of NIN for banking have fueled public concerns. The new tax framework consolidates 16 statutes into four principal Acts to simplify administration, expand the tax base, and align Nigeria with international standards.
