National Assembly Urges Nigerians To Accept New Tax Laws

The National Assembly has defended the far-reaching reforms undertaken in 2025, describing the outgoing year as a defining period marked by bold legislative actions aimed at economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and improved governance.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the Senate, in collaboration with other arms of government, played a central role in advancing critical reforms while maintaining its constitutionally guaranteed independence.

Bamidele described the 2025 Tax Reforms Act as the most consequential of the reforms, noting that it is designed to introduce a unified and modern tax system that will take effect from January 1, 2026.

“The core intention of the Act is to end the era of multiple taxation and improve the quality of life of Nigerians, particularly those at the lowest rung of the economic ladder,” he said.

He explained that the law was enacted after extensive consultations with stakeholders across business, political, and social sectors, stressing that it does not represent the “gloomy picture” being painted by opposition groups.

According to him, major achievements recorded in the 2025 legislative year include the enactment of a new tax regime, the elimination of multiple budgeting practices, progress in the review of the 1999 Constitution, and ongoing reforms of the nation’s electoral framework to enhance transparency and credibility.

Rather, he said, the Act is a progressive response to long-standing fiscal and liquidity challenges that have hindered national development, adding that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits, just as with the removal of petroleum subsidies.

The Senate leader urged Nigerians to study the new tax law and understand its objectives, instead of relying on what he described as misinformation.

“The new tax law was not initiated to inflict hardship on ordinary Nigerians,” Bamidele said. “Its goal is to mobilise resources for infrastructure development that will translate into economic prosperity for generations to come, taking more from the rich to care for the poor.”

On constitutional reform, Bamidele disclosed that the review of the 1999 Constitution is at an advanced stage, with proposals set to be transmitted to State Houses of Assembly.

He expressed optimism that the process would be concluded before the end of the first half of 2026, subject to approval by state legislatures, noting that the amendments are aimed at devolving more powers to sub-national governments.

He also revealed that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is nearing completion and would be fast-tracked for presidential assent once the National Assembly resumes plenary in January 2026.

According to him, the proposed amendments are intended to address prevailing political realities and strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Bamidele further disclosed that preparations for a National Security Summit have reached an advanced stage, following public hearings held across the six geo-political zones.