Tax reform committee promises fair, transparent implementation from January 1, says no harmful policies or surprise measures will be introduced.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians and investors that the implementation of the newly enacted tax laws will be carried out fairly, transparently, and with a strong consideration for citizens’ welfare.
Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, Joseph Tegbe, gave the reassurance on Friday after the committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in Abuja.
Addressing widespread fears, Tegbe dismissed concerns that the reforms would lead to government intrusion into personal bank accounts or investigations of ordinary citizens.
“Government is not going to encroach into personal accounts. Nigerians are not under probe or investigation,” he stated, stressing that the administration had no intention of “irresponsibly encroaching on personal bank accounts of citizens or residents in Nigeria.”
He explained that the tax reforms were designed to stabilise the economy, boost revenue generation, and protect vulnerable groups. Although the effective date remains January 1, Tegbe assured that no policy harmful to the economy would be rolled out.
“We want to assure Nigerians, especially foreign and local investors, that on January 1 we will not implement anything destructive. There will be no surprises. Areas of concern will be addressed,” he said. “The systems we are building will respect legitimate expectations, reduce uncertainty, and protect the most vulnerable.”
Tegbe said the committee was set up to ensure broad consultation across all sectors, including businesses, civil society, professional bodies, and state governments. “We want all stakeholders to be aware and have ownership of what will be implemented,” he added.
He acknowledged that concerns had been raised over specific provisions especially the capital gains tax, which triggered volatility in the stock market before the finance minister intervened. According to him, the committee would revisit some provisions before the implementation date where necessary.
“Inasmuch as we are going ahead with January 1, there might be provisions we need to take a second look at. Some areas may maintain the status quo,” he noted.
Tegbe stressed that tax reform extended beyond levies and duties, highlighting that the new laws also introduced incentives intended to encourage investment. “Sometimes taxes are about creating the right environment for investment. Under the Act, it’s not all about taxes and duties; there are incentives, and that’s most important for us.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding low-income earners, maintaining widened tax bands and exemptions. “The government will not reverse the gains made in protecting lower-income earners,” he said.
According to Tegbe, the administration is committed to responsible and humane implementation. “If well executed, and we intend for that to happen, Nigerians will see improved revenue mobilisation, reduced leakages, and a more stable economic environment,” he said.
He added that the government would continue refining the policy throughout the rollout. “As you are implementing, you are learning; you are refining,” he explained, noting that areas related to pioneer status and other sensitive provisions would also be reviewed.
The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, inaugurated on November 28, 2025, is tasked with coordinating the nationwide rollout of the new tax laws as approved by President Bola Tinubu.
