*Oborevwori, Martyns, Enebeli Urge Accountability
*Forum Inducts 12 New Members
THE new tax law in Nigeria, which comes into effect in January next year, is not aimed at overburdening the citizens, but a strategic blueprint for inclusive economic growth capable of repositioning Nigeria for a more diversified and resilient economic future.
As a result, stakeholders, businesses, policymakers and Nigerians have been charged to embrace the reform and contribute to the country’s overall development.
Specifically, Ochuko Emudainohwo, an Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, who was a Guest Speaker at this year’s Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Lecture Series, held in Asaba, with the theme, ‘Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society,’ said taxation remains one of the strongest instruments for national development.
Emudainohwo, however, stated that to understand the essence of the new tax regime, Nigerians must first appreciate the context in which it was introduced, such as the country’s declining oil revenue capacity, rising population and lingering economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic.
These, he noted, had compelled the Federal Government to rethink its fiscal strategy and pursue a more sustainable and inclusive approach to revenue generation to reduce overdependence on oil revenue.
He said the new framework consolidates income and company taxes into a single tax net, thereby streamlining compliance and reducing administrative bottlenecks, describing the reform as “pro-people” and designed not only to boost government revenue, but also to stimulate economic growth across various sectors.
According to him, the law supports Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Companies with an annual turnover of less than N50million are now exempted from capital-based taxes and company income taxes to ease the burden on small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and promote innovation.
He stated that the law emphasises transparency and modernisation, as it enhances accountability, improves efficiency and minimises leakages within the revenue system.
He listed the benefits to include reduced dependence on oil revenue, thereby encouraging a diversified national economy; streamlined tax administration, where income taxes and company taxes are consolidated into a single framework; hence reduction of bureaucratic complexity; support for SMEs, as companies with yearly turnover below N50million are exempt from capital-based and corporate income taxes; and promotion of entrepreneurship through reduced tax burden that encourages innovation and business growth.
Others include enhanced transparency, with introduction of digital tax platforms that improve accountability and limit revenue leakages; improved compliance efficiency, as businesses and individuals benefit from simplified filing procedures; and strengthening of economic resilience, with a more robust fiscal framework that better withstands external shocks.
He insisted: “The law is designed to be pro-people, supporting businesses while boosting government revenue.”
Speaking during the panel session, an accountant and tax consultant, Victor Fegor Origho, said the new tax regime was aimed to create a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship between the government and the governed, and seeks to correct long-standing irregularities in the tax system, where many evaded tax and other were overtaxed.
According to him: “This reform is not designed to punish Nigerians; it is to correct the gaps and make sure everyone pays what is due, no more, no less.”
A lawyer, Ikpesu Gideon Jade, described the legislation as a modern dispute-resolution mechanism, an ombudsman of sort, for tax matters, saying although fines exist, organisations could avoid sanctions by keeping accurate records, complying early and managing their affairs professionally, as “if you do your part, the law protects you.”
On his part, Martins Onyema Aghaobod, stressed the need for further sensitisation ahead of the implementation date, urging Nigerians to study the document to better understand its objectives, including elimination of multiple taxation and strengthening of compliance.
The experts insisted that the law will empower the people to hold government accountable by making tax processes more transparent and expenditure easy to track.
In a related development, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman of the lecture series, Edward Obiefuna Martyns; and the Forum’s Chairman, Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, said the new tax law must translate into transparency, accountability and measurable development for it to gain public confidence, saying its acceptance by the public will depend on how responsibly government manages revenues and how visibly they improve infrastructure, services and economic stability.
Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said Nigeria cannot ignore the new tax law, as it urgently needs a stronger revenue base to drive human and capital development.
He, however, cautioned that tax collection without accountability would undermine public trust, adding: “It is not about collecting money; give the people value for their money,” even as he charged Nigerians to be well-informed about the reform.
Martyns, who chaired the event, noted that the new tax framework will reshape how Nigerians do business and how government performance is assessed.
He urged the Forum and journalists to intensify scrutiny of government spending and ensure transparency in the utilisation of tax revenue, adding: “The Forum has a role to play in shaping society. As journalists, ensure proper reportage of government activities and insist that revenue be utilised to improve infrastructure, health, education and the wider business environment.”
In his address, Enebeli said taxation and public service delivery must go hand in hand if the new tax law is to achieve meaningful results, noting that Nigerians expect measurable improvements in their daily lives once the new tax regime begins.
He stated: “It is not just about taxation; Nigerians expect better roads, safer communities and a business-friendly environment.
“As Nigeria enters this new era of tax reforms, it becomes even more important for government to demonstrate value for revenue collected.”
Earlier on Wednesday, November 26, Enebeli had charged members to uphold the ideals of the Forum and maintain the highest standards of digital journalism.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, during which new members were inducted, Enebeli cautioned against taking membership as a symbolic gesture, saying it was rather an invitation to active participation and professional excellence in the digital media space.
He charged the new members: “Do not go home and sleep after joining this Forum, because the membership of any website that remains inactive will be reviewed for necessary action.
“Do not use your platforms to attack people. Do not publish unverified reports. This is very important. We must work together to promote and grow DOPF.”
The event was followed by two main lecture sessions, anchored by Philip Enu Nwossu and Presley Obukoadata.
Nwossu, in his presentation on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria,’ highlited the growing influence of AI-driven systems on information dissemination, transparency, policy engagement and citizens’ participation.
On his part, Obukoadata, a professor, dwelt on ‘Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development,’ highlighting how AI tools are reshaping news production processes, enhancing investigative journalism and expanding the frontiers of civic dialogue.
He cautioned that while AI had come with enormous opportunities, publishers must be mindful of ethical risks, misinformation and biases embedded in AI systems.
