NECA commends FG over tax transition guidelines

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has praised the Federal Government for issuing the General Guidelines for the Transition and Implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, describing the move as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform programme.

In a statement issued on Friday, NECA said the guidelines provide much-needed clarity on the implementation of the new tax framework and reaffirm the principle that the Tax Acts 2025 will not be applied retrospectively to accounting periods preceding January 1, 2026.

Speaking on the development, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said the government’s clarification had removed uncertainties that could have arisen from any retroactive application of the new tax laws.

According to him, the guidelines provide clear direction on how previous and current tax obligations will be treated, thereby strengthening confidence in the reform process and demonstrating the government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement.

“The issuance of the transition guidelines demonstrates that constructive engagement between government and the private sector can produce outcomes that strengthen investor confidence, promote regulatory certainty and support economic growth,” Oyerinde said.

He added that by affirming that the Tax Acts 2025 will not be applied retrospectively, the Federal Government has sent a strong signal that fairness, predictability and respect for the rule of law remain central to Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.

NECA noted that the guidelines would enhance regulatory certainty, encourage compliance and contribute to economic stability by providing businesses with a clearer understanding of the transition process.

The association further expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector would support the successful implementation of the tax reforms and improve Nigeria’s investment climate.

Established in 1957, NECA serves as the umbrella body for employers in Nigeria’s organised private sector and provides a platform for engagement with government and other stakeholders on socio-economic and labour policy issues.