By Oghenefejiro Emado
30, November 2025
The 2025 Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Annual Lecture shed light on Nigeria’s new tax law, with experts debunking misconceptions that the legislation is designed to enrich the government. Instead, they emphasized that the reform offers numerous benefits to citizens, businesses, and the broader economy.
The new tax law aims to create a fair and transparent tax system, where everyone pays their due share without overtaxing or under-assessing individuals.
Experts stressed that the law is designed to promote fairness, accuracy, and transparency, alleviating public fears about indiscriminate debits and harsh penalties.
The legislation provides a modern dispute-resolution mechanism, allowing organizations to avoid sanctions by keeping accurate records and complying with tax regulations.
Speaking during the panel session, accountant and tax consultant Victor Fegor Origho
Said the new framework was structured to create a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship between the government and the people.
He further explained that the new tax law is structured to correct long-standing irregularities in the tax system, ensuring that everyone pays what is due – no more, no less.
A Legal practitioner,
Barr. Ikpesu Jade described that the law functions like an ombudsman for tax matters, providing a framework for resolving disputes and protecting taxpayers who comply with regulations.
He noted that although fines exist, organizations can avoid sanctions by keeping accurate records, complying early and managing their affairs professionally.
Martins Aghaobod, stressed the urgency of Public sensitization as crucial ahead of the law’s full implementation in January 2026, and Nigerians should study the 203-section document to understand its objectives.
The experts says the law will enable citizens to hold the government accountable by making tax processes more transparent and allowing Nigerians to track how revenue is spent on infrastructure and essential services.
According to them, the law exempts companies with annual turnover below N50 million from capital-based and company income taxes, relieving small businesses and stimulating enterprise growth.
They also add that the law strengthens digital tax platforms, closes leakages, and promotes transparency, rebuilding public trust in the tax system.
On his part, the Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, The Guest Speaker at the lecture series Dr. Ochuko Emudainohwo, described the new tax law as a strategic economic blueprint crafted to reposition Nigeria for sustainable and inclusive development.
He linked the reform to declining oil revenue, population pressures and the economic shocks of COVID-19, noting that the federal government had no choice but to rethink its fiscal model.
He emphasized the need for accountability in tax administration, with the Governor of Delta State stressing that tax reforms must translate into tangible development.
He urged the media to intensify scrutiny of government revenue use, ensuring that taxation is accompanied by improved service delivery.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Information Charles Aniagwu, stressed that tax reforms must translate into tangible development, while Martyns urged the media to intensify scrutiny of government revenue use.
The Chairman of DOPF. Emmanuel Enebeli Enebeli emphasized that taxation must go hand in hand with service delivery, calling for improved roads, safer communities and transparent governance.
The 2025 DOPF Annual Lecture provided a platform for expert insights and analysis on the new tax law, its implications for Nigerians, and the opportunities it presents for businesses and society.
