48 Lawmakers, CSOs, Lawyers Plan Meetings To Monitor New Tax Regime

A coalition of 48 federal lawmakers, leading civil society organisations (CSOs), tax experts and legal practitioners, has announced plans to converge in Enugu and Kano States in January to monitor, support and strengthen the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax regime.

The coalition disclosed this in a press statement issued ahead of the planned engagements, saying the meetings would take place in two phases across the South-East and North-West geopolitical zones on January 17 and 19, respectively.

According to the statement, the convergence was aimed at fostering “national consensus, public understanding and institutional cooperation” around the tax reforms, which the group described as critical to Nigeria’s economic recovery, fiscal sustainability and long-term prosperity.

Addressing journalists ahead of the meetings, the convener of the initiative and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Midala Usman, said the roundtable, themed “Door To Economic Revolution Comes With Temporary Discomfort But Sustainable Development And Gains”, would bring together legislators across party lines, CSOs, lawyers, professional bodies, youth groups and small business representatives.

He said the objective was to ensure that the new tax regime was “effectively implemented, transparently monitored and widely accepted by Nigerians.”

“From January 1, 2026, the federal government will begin implementing new tax laws that provide 50 exemptions and reliefs targeting low-income earners, average taxpayers, and small businesses,” Usman said.

He listed the laws as the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (NTA); Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA); Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 (NRSEA); and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025 (JRBEA).

Hon. Midala stressed that the reforms were not designed to burden citizens but to rebuild Nigeria’s revenue framework.

“Nigeria cannot achieve true economic renewal without fixing its revenue architecture. The new tax regime is not about punishing citizens; it is about building a fair, predictable and growth-driven economy where government can plan, invest and deliver,” he said.

“Our renewed economic glory lies in total implementation of these reforms and the collective buy-in of Nigerians. This is a national project, not a partisan agenda.”

The lawmaker explained that Enugu and Kano were deliberately selected to reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of the reform process, noting that sustainable tax reforms must be people-centred and regionally balanced.

He said participants would examine issues related to tax fairness, the protection of low-income earners, ease of compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), harmonisation of multiple taxes, legal safeguards, and accountability in the use of tax revenues.

According to him, the sessions would also provide platforms for citizens to “air concerns and propose practical solutions to implementation challenges.”

Speaking on behalf of the participating CSOs, Mr. Meliga Godwin, said civil society involvement was essential to building trust between citizens and government.

“People are more willing to comply when they understand the system and trust that their taxes will be used responsibly,” he said.

“Our role is to ensure transparency, civic education and independent monitoring so that the reforms deliver real value to Nigerians.”

Legal practitioners participating in the roundtable are also expected to review the legal frameworks underpinning the tax regime, offering guidance on compliance, dispute resolution and the protection of taxpayers’ rights.

“A sound tax system must be anchored on the rule of law,” said Barr. A. Usman and Barr. Anderson Achilike.

“We are committed to ensuring that implementation follows due process, respects existing laws, and strengthens investor confidence.”

The coalition further distanced itself from what it described as “deliberate misinformation and politically motivated attempts” to undermine the reforms, insisting that constructive engagement remains the path to national progress.

“Economic reforms require patience, dialogue and sacrifice,” the lawmakers said.

“We call on Nigerians to engage peacefully, ask questions, and work with relevant authorities to make this tax regime a success for all.”

At the end of the Enugu and Kano engagements, stakeholders are expected to issue a communiqué outlining key recommendations, monitoring mechanisms and timelines for sustained engagement with relevant government agencies.