The Nigerian government has vehemently dismissed reports claiming it has suspended the release of implementation guidelines for the recently enacted tax laws, labeling such claims as “fake news.”
Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, debunked the reports in a post on X on Thursday. Oyedele spoke amid circulating claims that the country’s tax reform implementation guidelines were paused, reportedly due to uncertainties over the final approved versions of the laws.
He described the reports as fake news.
Truth Live News reports the tax laws, which took effect barely 14 days ago, have continued to generate controversies amid calls for their suspension.
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, the Nigeria Labour Congress and others have called for the suspension of the tax laws.
However, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, in a recent interview on TVC, ruled out suspension of the tax laws, noting that the reforms mean well for Nigerians.
The denial follows a media report suggesting that Oyedele had instructed the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Joint Revenue Board to hold off on issuing guidelines, citing confusion over the final gazetted versions of the laws. Oyedele rejected this attribution, emphasizing that no such pause has occurred.
The new tax regime, comprising four major acts signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, aims to harmonize Nigeria’s tax system, simplify compliance, and boost revenue collection while reducing burdens on certain groups. Despite assurances from officials, public skepticism persists, fueled by misinformation and debates over the laws’ implications for individuals and businesses.
Government sources maintain that the reforms are progressing as planned, with implementation guidelines expected to provide clarity and support smooth rollout. Authorities have urged Nigerians to disregard unverified reports and rely on official channels for accurate information on the tax changes.
