Abuja: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called on policymakers to simplify tax compliance, eliminate multiple taxation, and implement reforms that foster growth and investment while strengthening public trust. Dr. Aliyu Hong, Chairman of the National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC) at ACCI, addressed these issues at a stakeholders’ tax roundtable themed ‘Tax Reality: Ripple Effects on Industry and Commerce’ in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Hong urged policymakers and tax authorities to prioritize the protection of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance institutional coordination across all government levels. He emphasized the importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders and maintaining clear public communication to ensure the success of any reform. “Nigeria needs a tax system that encourages growth, rewards productivity, attracts investment, and supports businesses to expand, not merely survive,” Hong stated.
Hong, who also serves as the second Deputy President of the chamber, highlighted the necessity of collaboration between the government and the organized private sector, grounded in mutual trust and policy consistency. He noted that recent tax reforms, while necessary, require careful implementation to avoid exacerbating existing business challenges. Hong pointed out that businesses are adapting to significant fiscal changes introduced by the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and related legislation, underscoring the need to assess the reforms’ impact on investment, production, employment, and economic survival.
He stressed that taxation should encourage enterprise growth rather than hinder businesses already facing difficult conditions. Challenges such as inflation, exchange rate instability, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and high energy costs were identified as factors weakening businesses nationwide. Hong warned that excessive compliance burdens could reduce competitiveness, discourage investment, and shrink the tax base. He called for clarity, consistency, fairness, and predictability to allow investments to thrive in Nigeria’s economy.
Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), added that tax reforms are designed to support vulnerable Nigerians and improve economic stability. Ohagwa warned that abolishing taxes could exacerbate Nigeria’s challenges, increase borrowing, and weaken the government’s ability to provide essential services. The reforms aim to simplify tax administration, block leakages, and reduce burdens on low-income earners, while ensuring wealthier citizens contribute more through progressive taxation.
Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the ACCI, stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in shaping policies that affect businesses, investments, and national economic growth. Jideani reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to promoting business-supportive policies, emphasizing the need for clarity, transparency, and stakeholder engagement for successful tax reform implementation. He noted that the roundtable would enlighten businesses on the opportunities, realities, and implications of ongoing tax reforms, addressing misconceptions surrounding the new framework.