The Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy (FIDAC) has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) across Nigeria to take a leading role in promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Reform Acts, 2025.
The call was made in a statement issued by the Executive Director of FIDAC, Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, PhD, FCFA, who said the new tax laws represent a major effort by the Federal Government to modernize Nigeria’s tax system.
According to FIDAC, the reforms are aimed at broadening the tax base, reducing the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, strengthening digital tax administration, and improving the link between taxation and national development.
Kani noted that while the passage of the tax reform laws is significant, their success will largely depend on public understanding, trust, and voluntary compliance, stressing that civil society organizations occupy a strategic position as trusted intermediaries between government and citizens.
He urged CSOs to move beyond awareness creation to active accountability by simplifying the provisions of the new tax laws and communicating them to the public through community engagements, radio and television programmes, social media campaigns, town hall meetings, and grassroots workshops.
FIDAC highlighted key provisions of the reforms, including the exemption of individuals earning up to ₦800,000 annually from personal income tax, enhanced reliefs for small businesses, and rent relief of up to ₦500,000, noting that effective public communication of these benefits could improve tax compliance.
The organization also stressed the need for CSOs to support taxpayers with practical compliance guidance, particularly as the country transitions to a digital tax system that includes e-invoicing and electronic filing.
According to the statement, many taxpayers are willing to comply but lack the technical knowledge and confidence to do so, making simplified compliance guides and partnerships with tax professionals necessary.
FIDAC further called on CSOs to advocate transparency and accountability in the use of tax revenues, urging them to demand regular public reports showing how tax proceeds are translated into investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social protection.
The organization also encouraged civil society groups to monitor enforcement patterns, audits, penalties, and implementation gaps, especially those affecting rural communities, micro-enterprises, and digitally excluded groups.
FIDAC added that targeted support such as local-language sensitization programmes and training for micro and small enterprises would help ensure inclusive compliance and prevent vulnerable groups from being left behind.
The group described the Nigeria Tax Reform Acts, 2025 as a defining moment for civil society engagement, stressing that sustained collaboration between CSOs, government institutions, and citizens is critical to building trust and strengthening Nigeria’s social contract.