48 Lawmakers, CSOs, Lawyers Set to Meet in Enugu, Kano on New Tax Reforms

A coalition of 48 federal lawmakers, civil society organisations (CSOs), tax experts and legal practitioners will, this January, hold major stakeholder meetings in Enugu and Kano to review, support and strengthen the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax regime.

The engagements, scheduled for January 17 and 19 in the South-East and North-West respectively, are designed to build national consensus, deepen public understanding and enhance institutional cooperation around the tax reforms, which stakeholders say are key to economic stability, fiscal growth and long-term national prosperity.

Speaking ahead of the event, the convener 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” will bring together lawmakers across party lines, CSOs, legal experts, professional bodies, youth representatives and small business owners.

According to him, the goal is to ensure effective implementation, transparent monitoring and broad public acceptance of the new tax regime.

“From January 1, 2026, the Federal Government will begin enforcing new tax laws that introduce 50 exemptions and reliefs targeted at low-income earners, average workers and small businesses,” Usman stated.

He listed the relevant laws to include:

Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (NTA)

Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA)

Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 (NRSEA)

Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025 (JRBEA)


Usman emphasised that the reforms are aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s revenue system to support economic renewal rather than punish citizens.

“This is not a partisan initiative. It is a national project to build a fair, predictable and growth-driven economy,” he said.

He explained that Enugu and Kano were carefully chosen to reflect national diversity and inclusiveness, stressing that sustainable tax reforms must remain people-focused and regionally balanced.

Discussions at the meetings will centre on tax fairness, protection of vulnerable groups, easing compliance for SMEs, harmonisation of multiple taxes, legal protection and accountability in revenue utilisation. The platforms will also allow citizens to voice concerns and suggest implementation solutions.

Speaking for participating CSOs, Mr. Meliga Godwin said civil society involvement is key to building public trust and ensuring transparency.

“People comply better when they understand the system and trust that their taxes are responsibly used. Our duty is to ensure transparency, civic education and independent monitoring,” he said.

Legal practitioners expected at the forum also pledged to review the legal frameworks and provide guidance on compliance, dispute resolution and safeguarding taxpayers’ rights.

The coalition dismissed misinformation surrounding the reforms, urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement.

“At the end of the meetings, a communiqué will be issued containing recommendations, monitoring strategies and engagement timelines,” the organisers said.

They reaffirmed commitment to policies that strengthen the economy, reduce borrowing, expand social investments and secure a prosperous future for Nigerians.