FG Halts Tax Reform Implementation as Uncertainty Trails Official Gazette of New Tax Laws
Nigeria’s tax reform rollout has hit a temporary pause as the Federal Government suspends the issuance of implementation guidelines pending the release of the officially gazetted versions of the new tax laws, PulseNets learnt.
The development was disclosed by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, during the 2026 Economic Outlook event organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos. Oyedele explained that the pause was necessary due to lingering uncertainty over whether the versions of the laws currently in circulation accurately reflect what was finally approved.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, Oyedele has formally directed both the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to suspend all actions toward implementation until the official text is confirmed.
The uncertainty stems from discrepancies surrounding the final documentation. Oyedele disclosed that his team made efforts to purchase printed copies of the laws from the government printer, only to be informed that all available copies had already been taken by the National Assembly. The restriction, PulseNets learnt, is tied to an ongoing internal legislative review.
While acknowledging that post-passage legislative scrutiny is standard practice, Oyedele raised concerns that the continued withholding of the official text runs contrary to the Acts Authentication Act. He noted that the law clearly establishes that only copies published by the government printer constitute valid legal proof of any Act passed.
PulseNets reported that the National Assembly is in the process of preparing its own version of the gazette, but the document has not yet been completed or released to the public.
The situation has created uncertainty within government agencies and among stakeholders, effectively slowing down the reform process. Emphasising the committee’s position, Oyedele told the audience in Lagos, “It would be irresponsible for us to release implementation guidelines when we cannot categorically confirm that the version before us represents the final and authoritative law.”
Also Read: Tax Reform Is Risky but Necessary — “I Get Threats Over Nigeria’s New Tax Laws,” Says Oyedele
Efforts by PulseNets to obtain reactions from spokespersons of both the Senate and the House of Representatives were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Until the official gazette is published and verified, the tax reform agenda remains on hold, with businesses, tax authorities, and policy analysts waiting for clarity before taking further steps.
