Mr Joseph Tegbe
*Tegbe Stresses Importance of Clear Communication and Public Trust
Abayomi Susan
The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) has sustained its stakeholder engagement efforts with a high-level consultative meeting involving leading tax advisory firms, professional bodies, and key institutional stakeholders, as part of preparations for the effective implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws. The institutions were represented by their national presidents, while senior tax partners represented the advisory firms.
Speaking at the session, the Chairman of the NTPIC, Mr Joseph Tegbe, underscored that the success of the tax reforms would rely more on effective change management than on policy design alone. He emphasized the critical role of clear communication and public trust in achieving reform objectives. Mr Tegbe reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to engaging sub-national governments through the Joint Revenue Board and other relevant institutions to harmonise interpretations, strengthen capacity, and ensure alignment across federal and state tax administrations.
Participants broadly welcomed the reforms, describing them as timely and structural, with a focus on strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework rather than pursuing short-term revenue gains. Discussions were situated within the Federal Government’s broader reform agenda aimed at achieving long-term fiscal sustainability, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
While commending the robustness of the legislative framework, participants highlighted the need for consistent interpretation across institutions and the issuance of clear operational guidelines to avoid fragmented enforcement. They further recommended deliberate, coordinated, and simplified public education initiatives that clearly outline the implications of the reforms for individuals, small businesses, and corporates, while reinforcing the principles of fairness, proportionality, and national development.
In his closing remarks, Mr Tegbe expressed appreciation to participants for their valuable contributions and reiterated the Committee’s commitment to structured consultations and the timely resolution of issues identified during the engagement.
The NTPIC Chairman was accompanied at the meeting by the Chairman of the Stakeholder Engagement Subcommittee, Barrister Ismael Ahmed; the Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee, Mr Ajibola Olomola; and members of the NTPIC Secretariat.
