Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has warned that Nigeria’s new tax law cannot be implemented until the controversies surrounding its legitimacy are resolved. Speaking to journalists in his hometown of Ilawe‑Ekiti on Wednesday, Falana said the federal government must address allegations of improper insertion and provide clean copies of the tax statutes before they can take effect.
Falana’s remarks come after President Bola Tinubu announced that the tax laws will be enforced as planned on 1 January 2026. The lawyer argued that the government should have used the remaining days of 2025 to settle the disputes and release the revised legislation, thereby avoiding potential challenges. He cautioned that failing to do so would place the government in a precarious position, as interest groups are ready to contest the laws’ legitimacy.
The tax statutes have been the subject of intense debate, with some stakeholders questioning the insertion of certain provisions. The government’s decision to proceed despite these concerns has drawn criticism, with opponents warning that it could trigger legal challenges and undermine the credibility of the tax system.
The implementation of the new tax laws represents a significant development in Nigeria’s economic policy, but the ongoing controversy raises questions about the government’s approach to taxation. As the 1 January 2026 deadline approaches, it remains uncertain how the authorities will address the issues raised by Falana and other stakeholders. The decision to move forward despite the dispute could have far‑reaching implications for the country’s tax regime and overall economy, potentially exposing the government to legal and administrative hurdles.
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