Civil Society Group To FG: Give Clarity On New Tax Law

A civil-society organisation, Citizen Monitors, on Monday called on the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with clear, practical information and protections regarding the new tax law set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The law, which embodies several new acts, such as the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, has been a source of debate, including protests against the 5% fossil-fuel surcharge.
Also, the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) has had to dismiss reports that every Nigerian would be required to present a Tax Identification Number to open or maintain a bank account under the new law.
The Spokesperson and Head of communications of the orgainisatio, Olajumoke Alawode-James, who stated this trough a statement issued on Monday, said it welcomes the decision to pause the proposed 5% fossil-fuel surcharge pending further consultations.
It, however, warned that “reform is welcome only if people understand it and can plan ahead.”
The organisation set out three immediate priorities. It says the government must deliver before the new rules come into force:
“Government should publish one plain-English guide that explains—on a single page—what is changing, what is not, and when. That guide should include a simple timeline to January 2026, FAQs for common jobs and small businesses, and a public helpline/portal for quick answers. This avoids the weekly trickle of rumours and panic.
“Keep reminding the public that VAT stays at 7.5%, and make sure the zero-rated essentials (food, books, medicines, some energy items) are respected in real shops and markets. Regulators should monitor prices and stop fake “VAT increases” at checkout.
“Publish the updated PAYE tables early, and give SMEs an easy onboarding window into the new e-invoicing/fiscalisation system—without retroactive penalties during transition. Clear steps and free toolkits will raise compliance and reduce fear,” Alwaode-James said in the statement, just it also reaffirms its mission to track government policies and their impacts.
“As rollout begins, Citizen Monitors will track and report the real-life impact of the changes, helping Nigerians see what is working, and where more clarity or correction is needed.”