Tax experts have urged Nigerians to embrace the newly introduced tax reforms, describing them as a timely opportunity to restructure the country’s revenue system, reduce inequality, and promote inclusive economic growth.
The experts noted that the reforms, recently introduced by the Federal Government, contain significant reliefs and exemptions targeted at low-income earners, while also addressing long-standing challenges that have hindered tax compliance and business expansion.
Speaking on the reforms, analysts said Nigeria’s tax system has, for years, been plagued by multiple taxation, unclear regulations, and overlapping levies, particularly at the federal, state and local government levels. These challenges, they noted, have disproportionately affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), discouraging productivity and pushing many businesses into the informal sector.
According to them, the new tax laws seek to simplify the tax structure, eliminate duplication, and create a more transparent and predictable system that encourages voluntary compliance rather than coercive enforcement.
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“The reforms represent a deliberate shift towards fairness and sustainability,” one tax policy analyst said. “Low-income earners are better protected, while small businesses are given room to grow without being suffocated by excessive and multiple levies.”
Experts explained that by easing the burden on vulnerable income groups and SMEs, the reforms could help stimulate economic activity, expand the tax base, and ultimately increase government revenue in a more sustainable manner. They stressed that a fairer system would build trust between taxpayers and the government, improving compliance levels over time.
They also noted that the reforms are expected to support inclusive growth, as reduced tax pressure on small businesses could lead to job creation, higher productivity, and improved household incomes.
While commending the policy direction, tax professionals emphasized the importance of effective implementation, public sensitisation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure Nigerians fully understand the reforms and their benefits.
They called on government agencies to intensify awareness campaigns and provide clear guidelines to prevent abuse or misinterpretation of the new laws, warning that poor implementation could undermine the intended gains.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms aimed at stabilising public finances and driving growth, experts believe the success of the new tax regime will largely depend on transparency, consistency, and the willingness of citizens to embrace the changes as a shared national responsibility.
