Abuja: The Executive Director of Lawgistics Africa, Mr. Samuel Chukwu, has urged Nigerians to embrace the new National Tax Act, which he believes will build stronger institutions and boost development. Chukwu, a lawyer, made this statement during the national tax sensitisation and awareness summit 2025 held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chukwu emphasized the importance of the newly consolidated National Tax Act as a transformative step towards a more structured, transparent, and development-driven tax system. He highlighted that the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) is now the sole authority responsible for tax collection, a development aimed at alleviating fears of multiple taxation amongst citizens. Chukwu explained that the consolidation of various laws will help eliminate confusion and reduce concerns about multiple taxes.
Chukwu also addressed the fairness of the tax system for small business owners, noting that citizens would be taxed based on net income rather than gross earnings. He assured the public that there is no need for fear if records are properly maintained and documents are prepared to defend claims. He further pointed out that the new act would bring greater structure and responsibility into business operations, particularly for young Nigerians running online ventures.
Chukwu expressed optimism about the end of distrust in public finance management and encouraged citizens to renew their faith in governance. He cited ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory as evidence of taxpayer money being put to good use and urged Nigerians to fulfill their tax obligations while utilizing peaceful means to express dissatisfaction if necessary. Lawgistics Africa, he noted, views the revolutionized tax regime as a signal of a broader transformation in governance.
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF), Garki Branch, Zullaihat Ohiare, underlined the role of young lawyers in simplifying tax regulations for the public. She stressed the need for demystifying complex legal language to aid compliance and advocated for capacity building among lawyers to fully understand the implications of the new act. Ohiare also promoted public-facing legal education, including community outreach, to inform Nigerians about their civic responsibilities.
Rinsola Abiola, Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, emphasized that the tax reform is a fiscal tool designed to empower citizens rather than burden them. Represented by her Special Assistant on Training, Operation and Youth Engagement, Mr. Emeka Nwaede, Abiola stated that understanding the new act would foster accountability, enhance youth participation in governance, and support broader national development goals. She highlighted that tax reforms are intended to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen nation-building.