The Arewa Youths Forum has hailed the recent court ruling affirming the January 1, 2026 commencement of Nigeria’s new tax regime, describing it as a “bold, timely and patriotic decision” taken in the overall economic interest of the nation.
The group said the verdict marked a crucial step in consolidating the rule of law and provided the needed legal backing for the implementation of comprehensive tax reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth and development.
Recall that the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse Public Trustees had dragged the Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly before the court over alleged irregularities in the nation’s new tax laws.
However, in its ruling on Monday, the court directed the Federal Government, defunct Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Assembly to proceed with the take-off and implementation of the new tax policy scheduled for January 1, 2026.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Arewa youths said the court’s position reaffirmed confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and the government’s reform agenda.
“We believe that the court ruling affirming the January 1 commencement of the new tax regime is in the greatest national economic interest. No nation develops without a functional and transparent tax system. This reform is a critical step towards building a stronger, more resilient and self-sustaining Nigerian economy,” the statement read.
The group noted that Nigeria’s long-standing economic challenges, including overdependence on oil revenue, weak internally generated revenue, poor infrastructure, and limited fiscal capacity, made tax reform both “inevitable and unavoidable.”
While acknowledging that the policy may come with initial discomforts for citizens and businesses, the youths described such sacrifices as necessary for long-term stability, improved public services, and shared prosperity.
“The implementation of the new tax regime may come with initial adjustments and discomfort, but such short-term sacrifices are necessary to secure long-term economic stability,” they added.
They urged Nigerians, especially young people, traders, and small business owners, to remain patient and supportive during the implementation process, which they described as a “collective investment in the country’s future.”
The group also called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure the policy’s rollout is fair, transparent, and people-oriented, with adequate measures to cushion low-income earners and small businesses from undue hardship.
In addition, the Arewa youths warned political actors and interest groups against politicising the reform or inciting public opposition, saying such actions could undermine national unity and economic recovery efforts.
“This is not a partisan or sectional issue. It is about Nigeria’s survival and economic renewal. We must rise above narrow interests and support policies that serve the common good,” they stated.
