President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the 2026 Nigeria tax law will prioritise the welfare of low-income earners, small businesses and the poor, dismissing concerns surrounding its implementation.
The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while delivering an address at the 2025 Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, held in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan. He was represented at the event by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji.
Tinubu said there was no reason for apprehension over the new tax regime, noting that the reforms were designed to ease the burden on vulnerable Nigerians while strengthening the country’s revenue base.
“I wish to assure Nigerians that there should be no fear about the new tax laws, which will take effect next year,” the President said. “The 2026 Nigeria tax law brings relief for the poor, low-income earners and small businesses.”
He added that public trust remained central to Nigeria’s democratic development, stressing the need for citizens to continue engaging constructively with governance processes.
Reflecting on the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Tinubu described him as a committed progressive who played a key role in strengthening democratic governance and transforming the state through infrastructure development and urban renewal.
The President recalled that Ajimobi’s leadership restored peace in Oyo State and broke the second-term jinx, underscoring what he described as the long-term value of decisive leadership.
Tinubu urged leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing party cohesion as the most fitting tribute to the late statesman.
Delivering the keynote lecture, former Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, expressed concern over declining voter turnout, noting the drop from 69 per cent in 2003 to 25 per cent in the 2023 elections.
Gambari warned that democracy could not thrive where citizens lose faith in the system, adding that election rigging, military rule or a one-party system were not viable solutions for Nigeria.
He identified voter apathy, weak internal party democracy and broken campaign promises as key threats to electoral credibility.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the roundtable as a timely platform for reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey and honouring Ajimobi’s legacy.
Makinde said rebuilding public trust required accountability, inclusive governance and policies, such as the 2026 Nigeria tax law, that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Earlier, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the roundtable, urging APC leaders in Oyo State to unite and work towards reclaiming power in 2027 as a lasting tribute to her late husband.