Abuja — Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping tax reforms could bring real relief to struggling Nigerians but only if they are carried out with transparency and consistency.
Speaking at the maiden Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja, Dogara explained that the reforms are designed to simplify taxes, protect low-income earners, and give small businesses breathing space.
He pointed out that under the new laws, small companies with turnover up to ₦100 million will enjoy tax relief, salaried workers will benefit from rent deductions, and individuals earning ₦800,000 or less yearly will pay no income tax at all.
“These measures are meant to protect the poor, support workers, and encourage investment,” Dogara said, adding that the laws merge 16 existing tax rules into four major Acts, set to take effect from January 2026.But he warned that the reforms would only succeed if government is open about how taxes are spent.
“It’s not about raising more taxes,” he noted, “it’s about showing Nigerians that their money is used for schools, hospitals, and roads.”Dogara, while commending Tinubu for taking on what he described as “the most ambitious tax reforms in decades,” cautioned that issues like technology readiness, compliance costs, and clarity of interpretation could pose obstacles.
He concluded that if the reforms are faithfully implemented, they could transform the economy and secure President Tinubu’s place in history as a reform-driven leader who put the people first.
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