1. Deepening confusion and controversy over new tax laws set for 1 January 2026
Confusion grew regarding the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s new tax laws, scheduled for implementation on 1 January 2026, as Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, stated that what has been circulating in the media is false.
Oyedele told Channels TV’s morning programme on Monday, 22 December, “Before you can say there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we have what has not been gazetted. We don’t have what was passed,” he explained. “The official harmonised bills certified by the clerk, which the National Assembly sent to the President, we don’t have a copy to compare. Only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what we sent.”
“It should be the House of Representatives or Senate version. It should be the harmonised version certified by the clerk. I cannot say I have it either. I only have what was presented to Mr President to sign.” “I know that particular provision is not in the final gazette, but it was in the draft gazette. Some people decided to write the committee’s report before the committee had met, and it had already circulated everywhere. “What is out there in the media did not come from the committee set up by the House of Representatives. Let’s allow them do the investigation,” Oyedele added. Oyedele tactically shifted blame for the confusion to the House of Representatives. Just the previous day, a presidential spokesman blamed the opposition for the issues with the tax law. He claimed it was merely political and that the law would come into effect on 1 January 2026.
Nigeria’s new Tax Reform Acts, set to take effect on 1 January 2026, represent a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s tax system but are also at the centre of significant political and public controversy.
The Core of the Controversy
The “furore” arises from two main issues: the substance of the laws and the process behind them.
Substance and Economic Impact: While the government aims to broaden the tax base and increase non-oil revenue, critics argue that the timing is poor given Nigeria’s high cost of living. Business leaders have complained about excessive existing taxes, and opposition groups have labelled the reforms an “assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians”.
Process and Legal Crisis: A more explosive allegation is that the laws were altered after being passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President. The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) claims a forensic review found “substantial forgeries,” including the removal of accountability measures and the insertion of enforcement powers that bypass the courts.
Political and Public Reaction
This controversy has triggered significant actions:
Projected Protests: A security consulting firm, SBM Intelligence, warns of a “fresh wave of public protests” as the impact of the laws becomes apparent in early 2026, though they expect turbulence to subside within a year.
Political Opposition: The main opposition party, the PDP, has called for a six-month delay in implementing the laws. The House of Representatives has also established an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged discrepancies between the passed bills and the gazetted versions.
Mixed Messaging: While political controversy grows, some state revenue services are trying to calm public fears, debunking rumours that bank accounts will be frozen for not having a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
The new tax laws mark a pivotal shift for Nigeria’s economy, aiming to create a more modern and robust fiscal system. However, their success now depends on navigating a legitimacy and public trust crisis. The coming weeks will be critical as the National Assembly’s investigation unfolds, and the government decides how to proceed with the scheduled January 1 implementation.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next step is the outcome of the House of Representatives’ ad-hoc committee investigation, which has four weeks to report its findings.
This will decide the subsequent political actions.
If the committee confirms alterations, the controversy could shift to the courts. Affected individuals or groups may challenge the validity of the specific, allegedly modified provisions. Legal analysts suggest such provisions would be susceptible to being struck down by the judiciary.
2. Roads under construction and the years it’s taking…
Minna- Suleja road 15 years.
Abuja – Lokoja road 18 years.
Kano- Maiduguri road 20 years.
Abuja-Keffi Road, 12 years.
Kaduna-Abuja Road 9 years.
PH- Enugu Road 16 years.
East-West Road 20 years
Lagos -Abeokuta 21 years
Lagos-Ibadan 20 years.
Oyo to Ogbomosho,15 years.
Gombe- Potiskum 15 years.
Jalingo-Numan 10 years.
Jebba-Mokwa, 35 years.
Kaduna -Ibadan 35 years.
Sarkin Pawa to Kaduna, 35 years.
Enugu-Onitsha, 20 years.
Makurdi-Ankpa, 25 years.
… Add your own.
3. Nationwide Travel Chaos: Public Rage Erupts Over Gridlock and Dilapidated Roads
As the holiday season peaks, a wave of frustration has swept across the country, with citizens trapped in monumental gridlocks on perilous roads. Social and mainstream media are flooded with accounts of arduous journeys, turning travel woes into a dominant national conversation.
Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X have become virtual diaries of distress, documenting hours-long standstills and highlighting the dire state of key highways. The public outcry reached a flashpoint when Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna, spokesman for the Minister of Works, David Umahi, addressed the crisis on the critical Abuja-Lokoja Road.
In a statement that sparked immediate and fiery backlash, Uchenna said, “The impatience of motorists partly caused the gridlock… Be advised that extensive construction work is ongoing… However, the main issue remains motorists’ impatience. This is a common behaviour, even in commercial aircraft.”
The defence was met with scathing retorts from countless Nigerians online. Critics vehemently questioned the Ministry’s preparedness, asking how many roads were genuinely repaired ahead of the predictable Yuletide traffic surge and which routes were deemed safe for travel.
The central question echoing across platforms remains: With such extensive construction and well-known seasonal travel patterns, why were robust traffic management and public communication plans not effectively in place?
Are you on the road? Share your experience.
We are documenting the state of the nation’s highways this season. If you are travelling, tell us about your journey. Please write to us at [email protected].
Festive Spirit versus Economic Strain as Nigerians enter Christmas.
As Nigerians enter the Christmas season, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism. The country is experiencing a mix of revived festive energy and ongoing economic difficulties, with the experience differing greatly depending on individual financial circumstances.
Here are the significant highpoints and low points shaping the season.
A. Highpoints (The Festive Spirit)
-The “Detty December” Vibe: Festive spirit is high with events like the Calabar Carnival and concerts. The culture of fun remains strong. 🎉
-Diaspora Homecoming: Nigerians abroad are returning, fostering cultural exchange and driving foreign-currency spending, which benefits businesses.
– Economic Boost for Businesses: Sectors such as hospitality, retail, and entertainment experience a rise in patronage, generating jobs and revenue.
B. Low points (Economic & Social Strains)
– Inflation Squeeze: High costs for food, travel, and entertainment are forcing many to scale back or cancel plans.
– Logistical Headaches: Major cities face severe traffic, crowded services, and “December taxes” (inflated prices), which hinder enjoyment.
– Separated Families: High travel costs and security concerns prevent many, especially the young and working class, from reuniting with families.
A Tale of Two Economies
The season highlights a stark divide. For those with financial means—often including diaspora returnees with foreign currency—the festivities are in full swing. However, for a large portion of the population, the focus is on managing necessities.
• Persistent Cost Pressures: While recent reports indicate easing inflation, prices for staple foods remain significantly higher than in previous years. For example, the cost of preparing a typical dish like jollof rice is a significant concern for households.
• Cautious Consumer Spending: The mood among many Nigerians is one of budget-conscious celebration. People are prioritising essentials and opting for more modest, local gatherings instead of expensive concerts and travel.
Security and Community Efforts
Beyond economics, other factors influence the season:
• Security continues to be a concern in many areas, influencing travel choices to hometowns.
• To address economic pressures, there is a clear push for community-led and affordable events, as well as government-sponsored festivals to enhance local tourism and morale.
The Christmas season in Nigeria is characterised by a resilient festive spirit that flourishes despite serious economic challenges. The overall mood is one of seeking joy and community within the constraints of tangible financial limits.
