Former Speaker says reforms are key to economic justice
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has described President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms as the most daring economic overhaul in Nigeria’s history — and one that could make or break the country’s push for sustainable development.
Speaking at the maiden Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture in Abuja on Monday, Dogara said the reforms were born out of economic necessity and the urgent need to rebuild Nigeria’s financial credibility.
“₦22.7 trillion had been printed in the name of ways and means, destroying the Naira. Something revolutionary had to be done,” Dogara said.
Tinubu’s tax overhaul: What’s new?
Dogara praised the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, chaired by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, for simplifying Nigeria’s chaotic tax system. Key features of the reform include:
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Consolidation of 16 federal tax laws into four main acts
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Expanded tax base, including crypto, digital services, and virtual assets
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Exemptions for small businesses with turnover under ₦100m
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A 4% Development Levy to replace multiple corporate levies
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A new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to unify tax collection across federal, state, and local levels
On the controversial 5% fuel surcharge
Dogara addressed public concern about the proposed 5% fuel surcharge, clarifying that it’s not a new tax, but a restated provision from the FERMA Act (2007) and won’t begin without formal approval.
“It is mischievous to claim that it will begin automatically in January 2026,” he said.
“Reforms must be built on trust”
Dogara urged government to treat tax reform as a “social pact” with the people.
“True tax reform is not about raising rates, but about raising trust,” he said.
“When citizens see where their Naira goes, they are proud to give it.”
He challenged Tinubu to fully implement the reforms, saying it could define his legacy as the most consequential economic reformer in Nigeria’s democratic era.
House Speaker Abbas and FIRS back reforms
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Akin Rotimi, said the tax overhaul is a major step toward:
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Simplified compliance
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Broader tax net
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Transparency in governance
The National Assembly, he said, has already begun reviewing the executive’s proposals through debates and stakeholder consultations.
Also speaking, FIRS Special Assistant on Tax Policy, Olufemi Olarinde, said the reforms require proper public understanding — and called on the media to do more than just scratch the surface.
“You can’t explain what you don’t understand. We must first know the law before informing others,” he said.
Civil society says reforms must be fair
CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, said tax evasion, especially by multinationals and elites, has robbed Nigeria of massive revenue. He warned that the poor often bear the brunt of unfair systems and called for a transparent and equitable approach.
“Even big men must be taxed fairly. The law must not be selective,” he said.
Media, press corps highlight importance of public education
Chairperson of NUJ FCT Chapter, Grace Ike, urged the media to clearly explain the policies and help the public understand their rights and duties.
“Transparency and accountability must guide these reforms,” she said.
Gboyega Onadiran, Chair of the House of Reps Press Corps, said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture aims to demystify the legislature and national policy.
He called former Speaker Dogara a “bridge-builder” and said his lecture will help create clarity on a highly complex topic.
