Study Nigeria’s New Tax Laws, AIESEC Alumni Advises Citizens

AIESEC Alumni Nigeria has urged Nigerians—particularly businesses, households and working professionals—to familiarise themselves with the country’s newly consolidated tax laws ahead of their commencement in January 2026. The call was reinforced by former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Okauru, who delivered the keynote business lecture at the network’s National Congress held in Lagos on Saturday.

Okauru warned that a lack of understanding of the updated legislation could expose Nigerians and corporate entities to preventable financial and legal risks. She explained that the wide-ranging reforms, driven by the presidential tax committee led by Taiwo Oyedele, had combined decades of fragmented tax laws into a single framework for the first time. According to her, many individuals still rely on outdated provisions, which could lead to misinterpretation of their tax obligations.

She emphasised that reading the law is the first step, but not the only one. Okauru advised both families and organisations to seek professional guidance, noting that the tax environment has evolved to require more specialised expertise. She stressed that businesses must invest in building internal capacity, conduct focused training sessions, and develop tailored tax strategies rather than relying solely on general conferences or popular narratives.

Okauru dismissed widely circulated fears that the new regime would automatically increase tax burdens, insisting that several provisions offer improvements over previous laws. She urged Nigerians to engage the actual documents rather than depend on speculation. She also highlighted the importance of proper documentation, warning that inaccurate or incomplete records could undermine taxpayers’ ability to defend their financial positions.

She encouraged organisations to employ competent personnel to manage tax matters, saying poor staffing choices often lead to unnecessary liabilities. Beyond the corporate space, Okauru recommended that tax education be introduced early in schools to build long-term national literacy on the subject.

Speaking at the congress, President of AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, Marcel Mba, said the association continues to influence Nigeria’s professional landscape by producing graduates equipped with leadership and problem-solving skills. He noted that the alumni network boasts members who now serve in senior roles across local and international organisations, including the African Development Bank and Stanbic IBTC. According to him, more than 30 per cent of its diaspora members hold high-ranking positions globally.

Mba added that the organisation plans to expand its engagement footprint through new partnerships, including collaboration with the Outdoor Association of Nigeria, while developing programmes that benefit alumni, students and the public.

Chairman of the 2025 National Congress, Idris Yakubu, explained that the theme of this year’s gathering was chosen in response to the sweeping changes set to reshape Nigeria’s taxation landscape from January. He described Okauru as one of Nigeria’s leading authorities on tax administration and noted that her insights were essential for members preparing for the transition.

Founded in 1979, AIESEC Alumni Nigeria is a community of professionals connected by shared roots in AIESEC Nigeria and global AIESEC chapters.