Lagos — AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, in partnership with former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Executive Chairman Ifueko Okauru, has called on businesses, households, and individuals to familiarise themselves with Nigeria’s new tax laws and invest in skilled tax professionals ahead of their implementation in January 2026.
Okauru, speaking at the AIESEC Alumni Nigeria National Congress in Lagos on Saturday, warned that ignorance of the consolidated tax legislation could expose organisations and families to avoidable risks.
“The first step for the general public, particularly the private sector, is to read the laws. Numerous consultations took place during the work of the presidential committee led by Taiwo Oyedele. So, the tax laws represent, quite frankly, a part of what a lot of people wanted,” she said.
President Bola Tinubu signed four reform bills into law on 26 June 2025: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025. These laws aim to streamline levies and eliminate multiple taxation across the federation.
Okauru noted that, for the first time in decades, Nigeria’s tax laws have been consolidated into a single framework. She cautioned that many Nigerians still rely on outdated legislation, which may lead to misinterpretation of tax obligations.
“In the past, you could move from one law to the other, but now it’s all consolidated under one law. People expect information, but they have not read the laws. That is my first advice,” she said.
She emphasised that reading the laws alone is insufficient. Organisations and families must invest in tax professionals to understand compliance requirements and structure their finances properly. “The tax system is becoming more modern and professional. You need to invest in building the skills and knowledge to apply these laws to your own business,” Okauru said.
The former FIRS boss stressed that the reforms affect individuals, households, companies, and NGOs, urging Nigerians to avoid relying on hearsay about increased tax burdens. She highlighted the importance of maintaining proper financial records to support tax positions, noting that many still rely on shortcuts to obtain tax clearance certificates.
Okauru also called for early tax education, advocating for teaching taxation concepts from primary school.
The President of AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, Marcel Mba, noted that the organisation continues to contribute to Nigeria’s workforce by producing professionals with leadership and problem-solving skills. He highlighted that many alumni hold senior positions locally and globally, including roles at the African Development Bank and Stanbic IBTC.
The 2025 National Congress Chairman, Idris Yakubu, said deliberations focused on helping members understand the implications of the new tax reforms, noting that the changes would significantly affect individuals and businesses from January 2026.
Okauru’s participation, Yakubu added, was a major highlight, describing her as “one of the best brains in taxation in Nigeria.”
AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, founded in 1979, is a community of professionals with roots in AIESEC Nigeria and AIESEC chapters worldwide.
