ads1. Introduction
Nigeria’s revenue crisis has long been characterised by a narrow tax base, heavy reliance on petroleum income, and a tax-to-gross domestic product ratio that remains among the lowest globally. This structural weakness has constrained public expenditure, increased borrowing, and amplified vulnerability to fluctuations in international oil prices.
Against this background, the 2025 tax reform programme was introduced as a comprehensive recalibration of Nigeria’s fiscal framework. Rather than incremental amendment, the legislature opted for consolidation and institutional redesign. The Companies Income Tax Act, the Personal Income Tax Act, the Capital Gains Tax Act, the Petroleum Profits Tax Act, large portions of the Stamp Duties Act, and other tax-specific statutes were repealed or absorbed into a unified structure.
The reform rests upon stated objectives of equity and fairness, simplification of tax administration, competitiveness in attracting investment, combating tax avoidance and evasion, revenue generation, and economic growth.
While these goals are laudable, the effectiveness of any fiscal reform depends not merely on legislative ambition but on doctrinal coherence, administrative feasibility, and political legitimacy.adsads
