A good governance and anti-corruption advocacy group, the Youth Advocates For Peace Justice and Empowerment Network (YAPJEN), has strongly condemned the alleged alterations to Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reform laws, describing any attempt to implement the version as “patently illegal and unconstitutional.”
President Bola Tinubu had yesterday in a statement he personally signed, confirmed that Nigeria’s new tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026, with no plans to delay.
Tinubu, while stressed that the laws were designed to harmonize taxation, protect citizens, and not increase the overall tax burden, acknowledging public concerns, but said no issue warrants halting or postponing the implementation.
In a statement released late Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Amb. Joshua Nicholas, YAPJEN warned that proceeding with the implementation of the controversial tax laws scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026 would amount to a grave violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the rollout and resubmit the laws to the National Assembly for proper amendment and authentication.
“The gazetted versions of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, and related bills contain provisions that were never debated, passed, or approved by the National Assembly,” Amb. Nicholas stated.
“Implementing these altered laws would undermine the sovereignty of the legislature, erode public trust, and expose the administration to legal challenges. This is not reform; it is an assault on democratic processes.”
YAPJEN’s warning echoes growing concerns raised by prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, Senator Ali Ndume, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and several civil society groups.
Allegations first surfaced in mid-December when lawmakers highlighted discrepancies between the bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and those published in the official gazette after presidential assent in June 2025.
Nicholas emphasized that Sections 4 and 58 of the Constitution clearly vest law-making powers in the National Assembly and outline the process for presidential assent, with no provision for post-passage alterations by the executive or administrative officials.
He urged President Tinubu to suspend the January 1, 2026, implementation date pending a thorough investigation, as well as direct the re-gazetting of the authentic versions passed by the legislature, as recently ordered by the National Assembly leadership.
Nicholas also suggested the resubmission of any desired changes through the proper legislative channel for amendment, and that those responsible for the alleged alterations to restore confidence in the reform process be held accountable.
“YAPJEN stands with Nigerians in demanding transparency and accountability.
The tax reforms were intended to ease burdens on citizens and businesses, not to create constitutional crises,” he added. “Mr. President, this is an opportunity to uphold the rule of law by correcting this anomaly swiftly.”
