A new dawn for Nigeria: How Tinubu’s tax reforms are forging a path to prosperity
By Alex Oware, Regional Director, YP4T
In a move widely heralded as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s economic future, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 26, 2025, signed four landmark tax reform bills into law. These comprehensive reforms, set to revolutionize the nation’s fiscal landscape from January 1, 2026, are not merely adjustments to tax rates; they represent a visionary blueprint for a prosperous and equitable Nigeria, embodying the very essence of bold and compassionate leadership. This historic turning point is poised to reengineer the nation’s economic foundations, championing homegrown prosperity and ushering in an era of renewed hope for every Nigerian.
The impact of this new tax regime is nothing short of transformative, particularly for the average citizen. President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated an acute understanding of the financial pressures faced by millions, delivering a major win for low-income earners and taking a significant stride towards alleviating financial burdens and promoting economic stability. One of the most impactful provisions is the full exemption from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for individuals earning up to N1.3 million per annum. This single measure directly benefits at least 35% of all workers, providing immediate and tangible relief. Furthermore, an additional 60% of the workforce will see reduced PAYE rates, broadening the scope of financial ease. In a commendable gesture recognizing their invaluable service, members of the armed forces will also receive full PAYE tax exemptions, a testament to the government’s commitment to those who defend our nation.
Perhaps the most universally felt relief comes from the elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and services. This groundbreaking policy, which covers approximately 60% of all consumer spending, brings government closer to the grassroots and reaffirms a deeply humane approach to governance. From the daily sustenance of food and vital healthcare services to the foundational pillars of education and the basic necessity of rent and transportation, VAT is now a thing of the past. Beyond these fundamental provisions, the reforms extend to embrace crucial areas like renewable energy and compressed natural gas (CNG), aligning with global efforts towards sustainable development. Critically, essential female-related and childcare items such as sanitary towels and baby diapers are now VAT-free, providing direct and immediate financial relief to women and low-income households – a truly compassionate and forward-thinking measure. The easing of financial burdens is further compounded by tax breaks for wage awards, transport subsidies, and capped taxable benefits-in-kind, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving citizens’ welfare. Moreover, the reforms actively promote affordable housing through targeted VAT and stamp duty exemptions, making the dream of homeownership more accessible for many.
Apart from the immediate relief for citizens, these reforms are meticulously designed to ignite the engine of economic growth, increase revenue generation, and enhance effective tax administration, creating a more robust and resilient national economy. A core objective is to restore fairness in the tax system and foster inclusive economic growth. Small companies, now defined by an increased exemption threshold of NGN100 million annual gross turnover, are fully exempt from key taxes. This strategic move is set to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation, fostering the rapid growth of small businesses, which are the backbone of any thriving economy.
A significant innovation is the introduction of a Unified Development Levy, set at 4% of assessable profits. This singular levy consolidates various previous disparate levies, providing a strategic and streamlined funding mechanism for essential development agencies. From TETFUND and the Nigerian Education Loan to NASENI, NBTI, NITDA, the Defence and Security Infrastructure Fund, and the National Cybersecurity Fund, this unified approach ensures consistent investment in critical sectors like technological innovations and indigenous development, laying the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy. The new laws also implement a more progressive Personal Income Tax structure, reinforcing the principle of equitable contribution. While low-income earners below NGN800,000 annually are now exempt, ensuring a just burden on those who can least afford it, the reforms ensure that the wealthy contribute their fair share. Furthermore, a crucial provision establishing a 15% minimum effective tax rate for multinationals is set to ensure Nigeria earns it’s just share from global commerce, closing long-standing loopholes through measures like a new Capital Gains Tax on indirect share transfers. This commitment to equitable global taxation signals Nigeria’s strong stance on financial sovereignty.
The international community and the domestic business environment have responded with overwhelming optimism. As evidenced by statements from prominent business leaders like Femi Otedola, who is “inspired to invest more,” these laws are seen as a “bold, necessary step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investment-friendly economy.” This surge in investor confidence is a direct result of the reforms’ clarity, fairness, and commitment to fostering a conducive business climate. To further stimulate employment, employers will benefit from tax incentives designed to encourage the hiring of more workers. In a forward-looking move, the reforms also introduce friendly tax structures aimed at attracting international remote work opportunities for Nigerians, thereby fostering global employment prospects and positioning Nigeria as a hub for talent. The streamlining of the tax system with globally recognized VAT principles, allowing for input VAT recovery and mandatory e-invoicing, further solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to a business-friendly and digitally enabled tax environment, enhancing transparency and ease of doing business.
President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a political slogan; it is a profound governance philosophy deeply rooted in economic reform, national inclusion, and institutional revitalization. These transformational tax provisions are a tangible manifestation of this agenda, poised to strengthen economic resilience, significantly improve workers’ welfare, and enhance employment opportunities across the nation. By creating a more equitable financial landscape for all Nigerians, President Tinubu is not just enacting laws; he is laying the foundation for a truly prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive Nigeria. The future is bright, and with these visionary reforms, Nigeria is undoubtedly on a trajectory towards an era of unprecedented growth and shared prosperity.
By Alex Oware is the Regional Director, YP4T
