The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged the Nigerian government to adopt pro-growth tax policies that support enterprise sustainability, eliminate multiple taxation, and protect micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) ahead of the new tax implementation framework in January 2026.
The President of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, who made the call while addressing journalists at the 2025 End-of-Year Media Parley in Abuja, said while government revenue mobilisation remains important, economic expansion is the most reliable path to sustainable revenue growth.
“Economic expansion, not taxation, is the most sustainable path to increased government revenue. Therefore, tax policies must strike a healthy balance between revenue targets and the survival and growth of businesses that create jobs,” Obegolu said.
He noted that ACCI has consistently engaged relevant authorities throughout 2025 on the design and implementation of the new tax framework, stressing the need for clarity, transparency, and continued stakeholder engagement beyond the rollout date.
“Tax reforms must eliminate multiple taxation, which has long undermined business growth, while tax administration must be transparent, efficient, and technology-driven to reduce human interference and improve compliance,” he added.
Obegolu disclosed that the Chamber recently convened a Business Tax Town Hall Meeting that brought together tax authorities, the FCT Administration, professional bodies, and business operators to discuss practical concerns surrounding the new regime.
He emphasised that MSMEs, which form the backbone of the FCT economy, require special consideration under the new framework.
“MSMEs require simplified compliance procedures and proportionate penalties. Without deliberate safeguards, the tax system risks stifling the very enterprises that drive employment and local economic activity,” he said.
The ACCI president also outlined expectations ahead of the January 2026 implementation, including early issuance of clear guidelines, capacity-building programmes for MSMEs, phased implementation where necessary, and functional feedback mechanisms for reporting challenges.
Beyond taxation, Obegolu called for stronger government support for the adoption of alternative energy, particularly compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric mobility, as a strategy to reduce operating costs and stabilise the economy.
“Introducing targeted subsidies to make CNG and electric vehicle conversion more affordable will accelerate adoption and ensure that the benefits of cleaner and cheaper energy reach the commuting public,” Dr Obegolu stated.
The ACCI boss added that widespread adoption of alternative energy solutions would help lower transportation and production costs, contribute to inflation control, and support Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
Obegolu reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to MSME sustainability, noting that the Chamber would, in 2026, deepen interventions in digital adoption, access to finance, market expansion, green technology uptake, and dispute-resolution support.
Olusola Akintonde