- Open Forum Warns Against January 1 Tax Law Rollout
- … Cites Ongoing Investigations
- The group also called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to revive and implement the post-COVID-19 Economic Reconstruction Plan
A civil society organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Open Forum, has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the newly enacted tax reform laws until investigations by the National Assembly are concluded.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the group made the appeal amid the Federal Government’s insistence that the tax laws will take effect from January 1, 2026, despite ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to re-authenticate the legislations following concerns over their legitimacy.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday in Uyo and signed by its Convener, Citizen Mathew Kofi Okono, Open Forum urged the government to put the policy on hold until all contentious issues are fully addressed and Nigerians are assured that the reforms are free of hidden or anti-people agendas.
Okono said the call was informed by the views of renowned economist, Prof Akpan Ekpo, who recently raised concerns during a radio programme over allegations surrounding the passage of the tax laws. According to him, the situation demands thorough investigation and, where necessary, appropriate sanctions against those found culpable.
“Prof Akpan Ekpo has described the alleged discrepancies as deeply embarrassing and deserving of immediate investigation. Combined with concerns over the Nigeria–France tax implications reportedly lacking National Assembly approval, it would be inappropriate to commence implementation on January 1, 2026,” Okono stated.
Open Forum said it aligns with the position of experts and urged the National Assembly committee probing the alleged forgery of the tax provisions to expedite its work and make its findings public. The group also encouraged civil society organisations and professional bodies to conduct independent inquiries to establish the facts surrounding the controversy.
Beyond the tax reforms, the organisation advised President Bola Tinubu to prioritise more pressing national issues, including tackling corruption and impunity, implementing comprehensive electoral and political reforms, and restructuring the country to reflect the principles of true federalism, rather than further entrenching what it described as a unitary system of governance.
The group also called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to revive and implement the post-COVID-19 Economic Reconstruction Plan developed by a Prof Akpan H. Ekpo-led think tank, which it said had been abandoned by the previous administration.
On reports that the state government is considering the sale of Ibom Power Company to private interests due to operational challenges, Open Forum urged the authorities to reconsider the move. It cited warnings by former Governor Obong Victor Attah and concerns expressed by Prof Ekpo, who advocated inviting the original technical team that established the power company to help reposition it for improved performance.
According to the group, a reliable 24-hour power supply is critical to economic development, adding that recent initiatives such as the State Electricity Act and the 2025 power summit have yet to yield tangible improvements in the state’s electricity sector.
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