By Atoyebi Nike
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws were introduced to worsen economic hardship for citizens.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Bamidele said the new tax regime is a people centred reform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system and improve living standards, particularly for low-income earners.
He said public criticism of the legislation is based on misrepresentation, stressing that the National Assembly worked closely with other arms of government while maintaining its constitutional independence.
Bamidele described the 2025 Tax Reforms Act as the most significant legislative achievement of the current Assembly, noting that it seeks to harmonize Nigeria’s tax system and eliminate multiple taxation from January 1, 2026.
According to him, the law was passed after extensive consultations with stakeholders across business, political and social sectors and is aimed at addressing long standing fiscal and liquidity challenges.
The Senate leader urged Nigerians to study the provisions of the law and avoid misinformation, saying the reforms are structured to expand government revenue for infrastructure development and long-term economic growth.
He also rejected claims that the legislature merely rubber stamps executive policies, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to checks and balances and nation building.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has restated that implementation of the new tax laws will proceed as scheduled, describing the reforms as a historic opportunity to build a fair and modern tax system that promotes harmonization, protects dignity and strengthens Nigeria’s social contract.
