Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: fiscal policy

  • ADC asks Tinubu to halt tax reforms amid claims final law was altered

    ADC asks Tinubu to halt tax reforms amid claims final law was altered

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 09:00:00

    Reporting by Punch indicates the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is demanding a suspension of Nigeria’s newly introduced tax laws, alleging that key sections were changed after National Assembly passage and presidential assent.

    The party frames the claim as a constitutional issue—arguing that post-assent changes would undermine legislative process and separation of powers.

    ADC says it wants a full investigation to determine who handled the alleged edits and whether prosecution should follow if wrongdoing is established.

    Daily Post said the ADC urged suspension over “alleged forged provisions,” while TheCable’s coverage captured ADC’s warning that “It is time to rethink our tax laws.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Whether proven or not, legitimacy is everything for compliance. Watch for certified “as-passed” copies, side-by-side comparisons with gazetted versions, and clear implementation guidance before take-off.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/adc-demands-suspension-of-tax-laws-over-modification-allegations/)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

    Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-18 05:55:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the Presidency has rejected demands to suspend Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, insisting implementation will proceed from January 1, 2026.

    Officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify compliance, reduce overlapping taxes, and modernise revenue collection. Critics, however, warn the changes could worsen hardship if rollout is rushed or unclear.

    The debate has intensified amid claims by some lawmakers that the gazetted copies differ from what the National Assembly approved—an allegation that could raise legal questions and slow compliance.

    Premium Times reported Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced an ad hoc committee, stating, “I’m happy to announce to you that the following members have been appointed to the committee.” Vanguard also quoted a lawmaker complaining, “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The policy risk is less about headlines and more about trust: investors and taxpayers need certainty on the final text. Watch for certified copies, a clear implementation guide, and whether the legislature confirms (or disputes) the gazetted versions before take-off.

    Source: The Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fresh-storm-brews-over-new-tax-law/)
    The Punch 2025-12-18

  • FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

    FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
    2025-12-19 13:00:00

    As reported by The Punch, the Federal Government says 149 companies currently enjoying pioneer-status incentives will retain their tax holidays for at least two more years as Nigeria transitions to a new tax regime from January 2026.

    The decision is framed as a stability measure so firms approved under the old regime don’t face a sudden cliff-edge while a redesigned incentive framework takes effect.

    Verification: MSME Africa also reported the two-year cushion for existing beneficiaries, while KPMG’s tax note discusses the transition to the Economic Development Tax Incentive (EDTI) scheme effective January 1, 2026.

    Quotes: MSME Africa: “retain their tax holidays for at least two more years…” KPMG: “transition… takes effect January 1, 2026.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Incentives must be disciplined and outcome-based. Watch for transparency on beneficiaries/sectors, measurable investment and jobs delivered, and whether the new scheme reduces rent-seeking.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/149-firms-retain-tax-holidays-under-new-law-fg/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • Budget tussle: lawmakers split over crude benchmark for 2026–2028 plan

    Budget tussle: lawmakers split over crude benchmark for 2026–2028 plan

    Photo Credit: Punch / File
    2025-12-19 11:00:00

    From Punch coverage of the fiscal plan, Nigeria’s lawmakers are reportedly divided over the crude oil price benchmark proposed in the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

    The benchmark matters because it shapes revenue projections, borrowing needs and how aggressively government can fund infrastructure and social programmes.

    Verification: BusinessDay reported the disagreement over the benchmark, while Reuters-based reporting (via Channels TV) has highlighted weak oil market dynamics that could complicate pricing assumptions.

    Quotes: BusinessDay: “Reps, Senate disagree over… crude benchmark…” Channels TV: “Nigerian oil struggles to find buyers…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s fiscal credibility rises or falls on realistic oil assumptions. Watch revised benchmark levels, production assumptions versus theft/vandalism realities, and whether non-oil revenue plans become concrete.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/mtef-reps-senate-disagree-over-crude-benchmark/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • Tinubu says 2026 tax changes will ease burdens for low‑income Nigerians and SMEs

    Tinubu says 2026 tax changes will ease burdens for low‑income Nigerians and SMEs

    Photo Credit: Nigeria News
    2025-12-16

    Speaking through the Federal Inland Revenue Service chairman at an Ibadan roundtable, President Bola Tinubu says new tax laws slated for 2026 will bring relief for households and small businesses.

    According to the president’s remarks, the reforms are designed to reduce multiple taxation and exempt essential items and sectors such as food, medication, education, agriculture and shared transportation from what he called burdensome taxes.

    The messaging suggests government is trying to build public confidence ahead of implementation, amid concerns about compliance costs and how quickly relief will show up in prices and pay‑packets.

    Beyond the rhetoric, the key test will be the details: which goods and services qualify for exemptions, how VAT and PAYE changes are applied, and whether sub‑national taxes are harmonised to prevent ‘stacked’ levies on SMEs.

    The Nation: “The laws come with good news to the poor, the low-income earners as well as small businesses.”

    THISDAY: “The laws come with good news to the poor, the low-income earners as well as small businesses,” he said, explaining that food and medication would be exempt from burdensome taxes.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: If the exemptions are cleanly implemented, they could ease cost‑of‑living pressure and improve SME cashflow. Watch for the final implementing rules, VAT treatment of essentials, and how states align their own revenue drives with the federal posture.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/new-tax-law-coming-with-good-news-tinubu-assures-nigerians/

  • Senate tells FIRS to raise 2026 revenue target to ₦35trn, slams “multiple budgets”

    Senate tells FIRS to raise 2026 revenue target to ₦35trn, slams “multiple budgets”

    Photo credit: PunchNG (image on article page)
    2025-12-15

    According to The Punch, the Senate Committee on Finance criticised the Federal Government’s habit of running multiple budgets within a single fiscal year, warning it weakens fiscal discipline and planning.

    The report says the committee directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to lift its 2026 revenue projection from ₦31tn to ₦35tn during discussions around the 2026–2028 MTEF/FSP.

    It also referenced a claimed revenue gap in the 2025 budget cycle, fueling arguments that rollovers and repeated revisions are becoming systemic.

    BusinessDay: “at least ₦35 trillion in revenue in 2026.”

    TheCable: “raise the 2026 target to N35 trillion from N31 trillion.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This looks like early pressure-setting for 2026 budget negotiations. Watch whether FIRS follows with compliance tech, base-broadening, and enforcement—rather than new rate hikes—and whether the Executive adopts the higher benchmark.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 (https://punchng.com/senate-kicks-against-multiple-budgets-orders-firs-to-deliver-n35tn-revenue/)

  • FG projects nearly ₦1.9trn from new 4% Development Levy in 2026 budget year

    FG projects nearly ₦1.9trn from new 4% Development Levy in 2026 budget year

    According to The Punch, the Federal Government is projecting about ₦1.899 trillion from the newly introduced 4% Development Levy in 2026, as the levy begins to feature in budget planning following Nigeria’s 2025 tax reforms.

    Punch reported that the levy is structured as a consolidation mechanism, rolling multiple earmarked levies into one charge on assessable profits, with the aim of simplifying compliance and improving collection efficiency.

    Deloitte’s tax update on the reform package described the measure as an “introduction of 4% development levy to replace the Tertiary Education Tax and various levies,” stressing the compliance and administrative simplification angle.

    EY’s highlights of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 similarly note that Section 59 replaces several earmarked taxes with a unified 4% development levy on assessable profits (with stated exclusions for certain company categories).

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: The test will be whether “consolidation” actually reduces friction for businesses or simply changes the label on compulsory payments. Watch for implementation guidance, agency handovers (who collects what and when), and whether the levy materially affects investment decisions—especially for sectors that previously paid some of the constituent levies at different effective rates.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-eyes-n1-9tn-from-new-2026-development-levy/)

     

    Photo: Twitter/@atikuabagudu

  • Tinubu Sends 2026–2028 MTEF/FSP to Senate for Approval

    Tinubu Sends 2026–2028 MTEF/FSP to Senate for Approval

    Photo Credit:The Nation

    President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper to the Senate, seeking expeditious approval ahead of the 2026 budget presentation. The document, already cleared by the Federal Executive Council, proposes a crude benchmark of $64.85 per barrel and an exchange rate of ₦1,512 to the dollar for the 2026 cycle.

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau referred the framework to the Finance Committee with a deadline for its report. Under Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, the MTEF/FSP provides the foundation for annual budgets, guiding revenue targets, borrowing limits and expenditure priorities across sectors.

    Source: The Nation – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 The Nation – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • FG Sets Up Panel to Drive Capital Gains Tax Implementation

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a National Capital Gains Tax Implementation Committee to improve enforcement of CGT laws. Finance Minister Wale Edun says the move will boost non-oil revenues and plug leakages from asset sales.

    PUNCH

    11 Dec 2025

  • FG Defends New Tax Law, Says Reforms Target Relief for Workers and SMBs

    The Federal Government said new tax reforms are designed to reduce burdens on workers and small businesses, blaming misinformation for public fears. Taiwo Oyedele, chair of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, highlighted exemptions and harmonisation measures.

    He urged stronger public communication through the National Orientation Agency to prevent false narratives from derailing implementation.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10