In a decisive move to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the establishment of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC). This high-level body is tasked with a critical mission: to translate the administration’s recently passed tax reform legislation from policy into practice, a cornerstone of the government’s broader economic transformation agenda.
The committee will be chaired by Mr. Joseph Tegbe, a seasoned expert whose credentials signal the technical seriousness of this endeavor. A Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Tegbe brings over 35 years of professional experience, including a significant tenure as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa. His leadership suggests a focus on international best practices and corporate governance.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced this development in a statement on Friday in Abuja, confirming that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, will provide direct supervision. This high-level oversight underscores the reforms’ importance to the nation’s financial health.
The committee’s mandate is comprehensive and ambitious. It is charged with conducting extensive consultations across both the public and private sectors. This is a crucial step to ensure the reforms have broad-based input and legitimacy, mitigating the risk of policy resistance. [[PEAI_MEDIA_X]] The committee will also spearhead nationwide stakeholder engagements and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens and businesses on the new laws. A key operational focus will be on aligning the activities of various revenue and regulatory agencies to ensure a coherent and unified implementation, thereby reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and contradictions.
President Tinubu explicitly linked the committee’s work to his administration’s core economic objectives. “Effective implementation of the new Tax Acts remained central to the administration’s economic transformation agenda and strengthening of public finance management,” he stated. He further elaborated on the vision behind the reforms: “These new Tax Acts reflect our commitment to building a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax system that supports economic growth while protecting the interests of citizens and businesses.”
The emphasis on a “technology-driven” system points to a potential shift towards automating tax collection and compliance, which could significantly reduce the notorious leakages and inefficiencies that have plagued the system. The NTPIC is expected to be the engine for this change, ensuring “coherent, effective, and well-aligned implementation across all levels of government.”
The committee’s composition is designed for impact. Beyond the chairman, the Secretary is Mrs. Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, ensuring a direct line to the presidency. Other members, including Ismaeel Ahmed and Rukaiya El-Rufai, contribute diverse perspectives. The committee is described as comprising “experts in tax administration, finance, law, private sector and civil society,” indicating an attempt to balance technical expertise with real-world business experience and public accountability.
In his response, Chairman Tegbe expressed readiness for the task: “We understand the strategic importance of these Tax Acts. Our committee will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation and build public trust in the tax system.”
Finance Minister Edun framed the committee’s establishment as a watershed moment, calling it “a significant step toward resetting the national fiscal framework for inclusive economic growth.” The ultimate goals, as outlined, are clear: to enhance revenue mobilisation for the government, reduce fiscal leakages, reinforce accountability, boost fiscal sustainability, and advance Nigeria’s broader national development goals. The success of the NTPIC will be a major determinant of whether Nigeria can unlock the vast potential of a more efficient and equitable tax system. – NAN.
2025-11-30