Abuja: Participants at a two-day training on the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), 2025, organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a German foundation, in conjunction with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in Abuja, have called on members of the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to monitor the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), 2025, which fully takes effect from January 2026.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop, themed ‘The Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025: An Early Review and Recommendations for the Media and Civil Society Organisations,’ emphasized the need for media and CSOs to play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the new tax laws. Dr Christopher Kaka, Executive Director of Trade Network Initiative, highlighted the media’s role as watchdogs and urged them to engage in independent research and analysis, focusing on the public benefits of tax exemptions.
Kaka encouraged media practitioners to delve into investigative reporting to uncover tax evasion and corruption. He also urged CSOs to engage with the government and leverage the courts to challenge policies detrimental to citizens. The importance of initiating public debates and amplifying citizen voices was also stressed.
Mr Simeon Olatunde, Coordinator of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, addressed concerns over misinformation related to the evolving tax regime. In another presentation, Prof. Adetunji Ogunyemi from Obafemi Awolowo University traced the history of taxation in Nigeria and assessed the impacts of past tax reforms, noting the current administration’s revolutionary steps in tax reform and modernisation.
Ogunyemi elaborated on the enactment of four new tax laws and their transformative impact on the country’s tax regime, including increased public revenue and a simplified tax system. He emphasized the need to tap into the country’s vast tax spaces and addressed the challenges posed by indolent sub-national tax jurisdictions.
Dr Tobias Ruettershoff of KAS, in his welcome address, outlined the objectives of the gathering, stressing the importance of familiarising media and CSOs with new tax laws. Represented by Programme Manager Mr Samson Adeniran, he drew parallels with Germany’s approach to taxation.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, highlighted the significance of the NTA, 2025 in Nigeria’s tax reform process, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as inequitable tax burdens and limited transparency. He underscored that effective communication and monitoring are crucial for addressing these issues.
The workshop aligns with the goals of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJGP), which seeks to promote fair and transparent tax systems through a coalition of diverse stakeholders.