The Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy (FIDAC) has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to play a frontline role in ensuring the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Tax Reform Acts, 2025, stressing that success must go beyond public awareness to accountability and citizen engagement.
In a statement by its Executive Director, Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, PhD, FCFA, FIDAC described the reforms as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s tax system, expanding the tax base, protecting low-income earners, and strengthening the link between taxation and development.
FIDAC said the impact of the reforms would depend largely on public understanding, trust, and voluntary compliance, warning that the technical nature of the new laws could alienate citizens if not properly explained. The organisation urged CSOs to translate the reforms into simple, accessible messages through community outreach, media programmes, social media campaigns, and grassroots engagements targeting SMEs, artisans, traders, and informal sector workers.
Highlighting key provisions, FIDAC noted that individuals earning up to ₦800,000 annually are now exempt from personal income tax, while small businesses benefit from enhanced reliefs, including rent relief of up to ₦500,000.
As Nigeria moves toward digital tax administration, including e-invoicing and electronic filing, FIDAC encouraged CSOs to expand digital outreach and share real-life success stories to build confidence in the reforms. It also called for practical compliance support, such as simplified checklists for TIN registration and other tax obligations.
Beyond compliance, FIDAC stressed the need for transparency and accountability, urging CSOs to demand open data on how tax revenues are utilised and to monitor enforcement patterns to protect vulnerable groups.
The organisation concluded that the 2025 Tax Reform Acts present a critical opportunity for civil society to strengthen trust in taxation, noting that informed and accountable compliance is essential for national development.