David Awoyode
The Federal Government has introduced a new tax reform plan designed to ease compliance, reduce the burden on small businesses and low-income earners, and strengthen Nigeria’s revenue system.
The announcement was made at a sensitization forum held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where government officials, tax experts, and community leaders gathered.
Tinubu’s Administration Targets Fairer Taxation
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southeast), said President Bola Tinubu’s government is committed to making taxation “fairer and more beneficial to ordinary Nigerians.”
She explained that reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the exchange rate, and increased allocations to states were part of efforts to ensure citizens enjoy more impactful projects.
Women as Agents of Tax Education
Nweze emphasized the importance of involving women, recalling historical protests such as the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, which was triggered by unfair taxation.
“When women are informed, they take the knowledge to their families and communities. We don’t want exploitative practices to return; instead, women should be empowered to benefit from government initiatives,” she said.
Four New Tax Acts Signed Into Law
Delivering a paper presentation, Barrister Chukwumeka Eze, Chairman of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (Southeast Zone), revealed that four new tax acts were signed into law on June 26, 2025, consolidating over 20 existing tax laws.
He clarified that businesses earning below ₦50 million annually are now exempted from Companies Income Tax and Value Added Tax, while workers on the minimum wage will no longer pay personal income tax.
“This is progressive taxation. The wealthy will contribute more within their means, while the poor are protected,” he said.
Quick Resolution of Tax Disputes
Eze also announced the creation of a Tax Dispute Resolution Mechanism, which allows citizens to file complaints free of charge, with cases resolved within 7 to 14 days.
SMEs Described as Nigeria’s Economic Backbone
A tax expert, Mr. Innocent Chinyere Ohagwa, welcomed the reforms, stressing that SMEs represent more than 90% of Nigerian businesses and nearly 60% of jobs.
He explained that by removing multiple taxation and exploitative levies, the government is enabling small enterprises to grow, generate wealth, and contribute to economic diversification.
Tax Revenues Boosting Education Loans
Also speaking, Dr. Zino Ugboma of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) highlighted how tax revenues are supporting students.
He revealed that undergraduates in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education can now access education loans for tuition and living expenses, repayable only after securing employment two years post-NYSC.
“This shows that taxation is not just about collection, but about giving back to the people,” he said.
Call for Collaboration and Compliance
The forum, which attracted officials from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), women leaders, and community stakeholders, ended with a call for stronger collaboration to ensure the success of the reforms.
Participants, including Mrs. Nnenna Otuonye, commended President Tinubu for driving a fairer tax system and encouraged Southeast residents to embrace compliance for economic growth.
