An Osun-based civil society organization (CSO) has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the scheduled January 1 implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws, citing widespread public apprehension and insufficient engagement with stakeholders.
Speaking to reporters, the CSO leader emphasized that the abrupt rollout of the legislation risks creating confusion among taxpayers and could lead to unintended economic disruptions.
“The people are yet to fully understand the implications of the new tax regime. Rolling it out without proper awareness or buy-in may trigger resistance and unnecessary panic,” the CSO representative said.
The group highlighted that while tax reforms are necessary for economic growth and improving revenue collection, sudden enforcement could disproportionately affect ordinary citizens and small businesses.
According to the CSO, many Nigerians have expressed concerns over perceived inconsistencies in the gazetted law, especially regarding provisions that appear to differ from what the National Assembly passed.
DDM gathered that these concerns have been amplified by misinformation circulating on social media, further fueling uncertainty among the public.
The organization urged the government to conduct robust public sensitization campaigns, town hall meetings, and stakeholder consultations before enforcing the new regulations.
“The objective of tax reform is to ease the burden on citizens, not create panic. Proper communication is critical to achieving compliance and trust,” the CSO added.
The CSO also recommended that authorities consider a phased implementation approach, giving taxpayers ample time to understand their obligations and prepare for the changes.
Civil society groups argue that hasty execution may result in widespread noncompliance, undermining the government’s revenue targets and potentially stalling economic activities.
The group appealed to policymakers to prioritize public confidence and transparency, stressing that inclusive reforms are more sustainable than abrupt mandates.
Officials from the Federal Ministry of Finance have yet to respond publicly to the CSO’s appeal, but the matter is expected to gain traction in the coming days as January 1 approaches.
Stakeholders and industry players have called for dialogue between the government and civil society to address ambiguities and ensure that the law’s implementation does not destabilize business operations or citizens’ financial planning.
Observers note that while the tax laws are aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, successful rollout depends heavily on coordination, clarity, and public cooperation.
The CSO concluded by urging the government to adopt a measured and consultative approach, warning that disregarding public apprehension could fuel resistance and erode trust in the nation’s fiscal governance.
