By Alao Abiodun | Senior Reporter,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, Dr. S. O. Jimoh, has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing tax reforms, describing them as an imperfect but necessary step toward fixing Nigeria’s chaotic tax system.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Dr. Jimoh admitted that the reforms have sparked concerns but maintained that the government’s harmonisation agenda offers a pathway to clarity and fairness in the long run.
“I am not saying what the government is doing is perfect, but it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
“Our tax system is too complex and cumbersome, and the new laws are aimed at streamlining the process and making it easier for both taxpayers and businesses to understand.”
Jimoh explained that Nigeria’s tax regime has long been plagued by overlapping levies at federal, state, and local government levels, leaving businesses discouraged and compliance weak. He said the current reforms are not about creating more taxes, but about consolidating them into a framework that is less confusing and more transparent.
“There is no system where there won’t be an element of multiple taxation,” he noted. “The important thing is that once the new framework is fully operational, those lapses will be identified and corrected.”
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While acknowledging that public skepticism is valid, the NBA chairman stressed that no reform starts out perfectly. According to him, the ongoing changes should be seen as a foundation that will evolve over time.
“When you have a system that is too complicated, people lose faith in it. Businesses want certainty and clarity. That is what this reform seeks to provide. Loopholes will emerge, but they will also be corrected along the way,” he said.
Dr. Jimoh emphasised that taxation must serve as a tool for development rather than a burden on citizens. He argued that by broadening the tax base instead of simply raising rates, the reforms would ultimately improve compliance, boost government revenue, and create a more business-friendly environment.
He also called on professional bodies, civil society, and the private sector to engage constructively with government to refine the system. “As lawyers, our role goes beyond interpreting the law; we must ensure it is applied fairly and without abuse,” he added.
Jimoh reminded Nigerians that the reform process is a journey. “No reform is perfect from the start. What matters is that the government has recognised the problem and is addressing it. Over time, the system will stabilise, and the benefits will become clear,” he said
