CITIZEN MONITORS PRESS CENTER:

The Federal Government has signed new tax legislation, due to take effect from 1st of January 2026, while pausing the proposed 5% fossil-fuel surcharge, pending further consultations. But as households and businesses prepare for 2026, citizens and stakeholders are calling for clear, honest communication; not confusion or panic.

“Reform is welcome only if people understand it and can plan ahead,” Adeshope Haastrup, Co-Founder Citizen Monitors said. Without clarity, even good policy causes fear. The public needs facts, not rumours.”

Government should publish one plain-English guide that explains—on a single page—what is changing, what is not, and when. That guide should include a simple timeline to January 2026, FAQs for common jobs and small businesses, and a public helpline/portal for quick answers. This avoids the weekly trickle of rumours and panic.

Keep reminding the public that VAT stays at 7.5%, and make sure the zero-rated essentials (food, books, medicines, some energy items) are respected in real shops and markets. Regulators should monitor prices and stop fake “VAT increases” at checkout.

Publish the updated PAYE tables early, and give SMEs an easy onboarding window into the new e-invoicing/fiscalisation system—without retroactive penalties during transition. Clear steps and free toolkits will raise compliance and reduce fear.

As rollout begins, Citizen Monitors will track and report the real-life impact of the changes; helping Nigerians see what is working, and where more clarity or correction is needed.