Nigeria’s tax reform stumbles as public trust and clarity lag behind

A bold reform, but will it work without the people? Nigeria’s tax overhaul launches amid confusion, leaving citizens in the dark about their obligations.

, and Administrator

2026 January 3 . 11:19 PM

1 min read

This is a paper. On this something is written.

Nigeria’s tax reform stumbles as public trust and clarity lag behind

Nigeria’s new tax regime has launched, but key challenges remain unresolved. The government’s focus on technical reforms has left out critical steps like citizen engagement and education. Without addressing these gaps, the system risks failing to gain public trust.

The Taiwo Oyedele Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee concentrated on technical details but overlooked the need for a strong tax culture. Meanwhile, discrepancies between the National Assembly’s passed news bill and the gazetted version have yet to be fixed, raising concerns about credibility.

The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, led by Kayode Tegbe, is now responsible for engaging citizens and stakeholders. Yet, no clear plan exists for involving the public in shaping the new tax rules. This lack of consultation has left many Nigerians unaware of the changes and their obligations.

In a country where hunger, poverty, and illiteracy persist, tax compliance remains difficult. The government missed an opportunity to rebuild trust by addressing these issues during the reform process. Instead, the rollout has moved forward with a fractured narrative, leaving citizens confused and disengaged.

To salvage the reform, authorities must resolve the discrepancies in the tax bill and launch a nationwide education campaign. Engaging stakeholders and tackling underlying social issues will be essential for improving tax morale. Without these steps, the new regime may struggle to achieve its goals.