By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has urged policymakers to simplify tax compliance, eliminate multiple taxation and implement reforms that promote growth, investment and strengthening of public trust.
Dr Aliyu Hong, Chairman, National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC), ACCI, said this at a stakeholders’ tax roundtable, themed, “Tax Reality: Ripple Effects on Industry and Commerce,” in Abuja on Tuesday.
Hong urged the policymakers and tax authorities to prioritise protection for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and improve strong institutional coordination across all levels of government.
According to him, we are urging policymakers and tax authorities to prioritise broad stakeholders engagement and clear public communication.
“The success of any reform depends not only on policy design, but also on public trust and implementation efficiency.
“Nigeria needs a tax system that encourages growth, rewards productivity, attracts investment and supports businesses to expand, not merely survive.
“The organised private sector remains ready to collaborate constructively with government in building a stronger and more sustainable economy,” he said.
Hong, also the second Deputy President of the chamber, said that such collaboration must be anchored on mutual trust, policy consistency and genuine consideration for the realities facing businesses today.
He noted that the recent tax reforms remained necessary but required careful implementation to avoid worsening business challenges.
He said businesses were adjusting to major fiscal reforms introduced through the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and related legislation, adding that organised private sector must assess the reforms’ effects on investment, production, employment and economic survival.
Hong said that taxation should encourage enterprise growth rather than stifle businesses already facing difficult operating conditions.
He identified inflation, exchange rate instability, insecurity, poor infrastructure and high energy costs as challenges weakening businesses nationwide.
The chairman warned that excessive compliance burdens could reduce competitiveness, discourage investment and shrink the tax base.
He noted that businesses required clarity, consistency, fairness and predictability for investments to thrive in Nigeria’s economy.
Hong noted that overlapping taxes and multiple demands from agencies had increased the cost of doing business, while urging government to ensure that harmonisation of taxes become practical and measurable rather than remaining theoretical.
“Taxation should promote economic growth, industrial development, job creation and investment attraction and policies affecting businesses must emerge through consultations, stakeholder engagement and realistic economic assessment.”
He assured that the roundtable would generate practical recommendations that would help shape a more balanced, efficient, and business-friendly tax environment for the country.
He appreciated all partners stakeholders and participants for their commitment to constructive economic dialogue and national development.
Mr Innocent Ohagwa, President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), said that tax reforms were designed to support vulnerable Nigerians and improve economic stability.
Ohagwa said abolishing taxes would worsen Nigeria’s challenges, increase borrowing and weaken government capacity to provide essential services and infrastructure for citizens.
He said the reforms simplified tax administration, blocked leakages and reduced burdens on low-income earners, while ensuring wealthier citizens contributed more through progressive taxation.
The CITN president urged Nigerians to remain patient with government, fulfil tax obligations and elect credible leaders who would ensure tax revenues were properly utilised for public welfare.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the ACCI, said that constructive dialogue and stakeholders collaboration remain important in shaping policies affecting businesses, investments and national economic growth.
Jideani reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to promoting policies supporting businesses, while noting that taxation required clarity, transparency and proper stakeholders engagement for successful implementation.
According him, the roundtable will enlighten businesses on opportunities, realities and implications of ongoing tax reforms while addressing misconceptions surrounding the new framework.
He called for continuous policy dialogue and public enlightenment to ensure the reforms succeed without imposing unnecessary burdens on MSMEs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
