President Bola Tinubu has firmly announced that the implementation of Nigeria's new tax laws will commence as planned on January 1, 2026, alongside other acts that took effect on June 26, 2025. In a statement on December 30, 2025, President Tinubu described these reforms as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to establish a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for the country. He emphasized that the tax laws are not designed to increase taxes but rather to facilitate a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and strengthen the social contract, while protecting dignity. The President urged all stakeholders to support the ongoing implementation phase and dismissed public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions, stating that no substantial issue has been established to warrant a disruption of the reform process. He reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted laws, pledging collaboration with the National Assembly for swift resolution of any identified issues.

Despite President Tinubu's reassurances, the announcement has been met with significant opposition and calls for suspension from various stakeholders, including political parties, professional bodies, and economic advocates. The core of the controversy stems from alleged discrepancies between the versions of the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the copies subsequently gazetted by the federal government. This issue gained prominence on December 17, when House of Representatives member Abdulsamad Dasuki highlighted the alleged inconsistencies, prompting the House to constitute a seven-member committee for investigation. Concerns also extend to the regional implications of key provisions, particularly the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula. The tax reform bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been a vocal critic, accusing the Presidency of prioritizing tax revenue over the welfare of Nigerians. The opposition party reiterated its demand for the suspension of the Act's commencement date, citing what it described as inconsistencies between the harmonised version passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted copy. The PDP alleged the insertion of "dangerous provisions" that were previously expunged by the legislature, calling for a thorough investigation. The party faulted the Presidency for downplaying the controversy and argued that President Tinubu, elected with less than 40% of the votes, has a duty to listen to public concerns. Recalling the 2012 fuel subsidy protests where Tinubu was a prominent figure, the PDP urged him to emulate the then-PDP led government's decision to review its policy in deference to public outcry.

The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) has also called for the withdrawal and re-gazetting of the published tax laws, insisting that only the accurate versions approved by the National Assembly should be in circulation. In a statement by its President, Zuwairat Talatu Kishimi, ANAN expressed grave concern that the discrepancies pose a threat to the rule of law and fiscal stability, causing confusion among taxpayers and professionals. The association emphasized that legislative authority rests with the National Assembly and that any post-assent alteration without further legislative amendment lacks constitutional validity. ANAN warned that inconsistent versions complicate compliance and enforcement, erode investor confidence, and undermine legal certainty, advocating for an independent investigation into the discrepancies and a transparent mechanism for verifying and publishing authenticated laws.

Similarly, former minister and economic policy advocate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, demanded the immediate suspension of the Nigerian Tax Reform Act, warning that the alleged discrepancies have triggered a credibility and constitutional crisis. In a public memorandum, Ezekwesili argued that the handling of the tax reform undermined constitutional process and public legitimacy. She stressed that any situation involving an inauthentic legislative text requires immediate suspension, a transparent, independent inquiry, and potentially restarting the legislative process from the public hearing stage. Ezekwesili highlighted concerns over provisions in the gazetted version that allegedly lack clear legislative origin, expand administrative discretion, weaken taxpayer protections, and raise federalism issues. She urged for clarity on whether the discrepancies resulted from administrative error or deliberate alteration, stating that a tax system cannot command voluntary compliance without legitimacy and that democracy cannot function without accountability. Other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Senator Ali Ndume, have also demanded a halt to implementation pending clarification and investigation.