The Senate has finally reacted to claims surrounding the alleged forgery of President Bola Tinubu’s new tax laws.
The upper chamber openly backed the President’s decision to commence full implementation of the laws from January 1, 2026.
Lawmakers dismissed claims that the tax framework was altered or manipulated.
They described the controversy as politically driven and misleading.
Speaking on behalf of the Senate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the accusations were unfounded.
He accused opposition figures of deliberately confusing Nigerians.
According to him, the tax reforms were passed after extensive legislative work and consultation.
He said there was no forgery at any stage of the process.
Bamidele urged Nigerians to seek proper understanding of the new tax structure.
He warned against relying on social media narratives and political propaganda.
He said the reforms were designed to protect vulnerable citizens.
He stressed that wealthier Nigerians would bear a larger share of the tax burden.
“Rather than falling hook, line and sinker for the deliberate misinformation being peddled about the new reforms by the opposition, I urge every Nigerian to get adequately informed about their ambitious goals and advantages for our collective good, aiming to take more from the rich to cater for the poor in our midst,” he said.
The Senate Leader rejected claims that the law would worsen economic hardship.
He explained that the reforms were aimed at strengthening government revenue.
He said the funds would support infrastructure, public services and long-term growth.
“Rather, it aims to bring more resources to the footsteps of the government at various levels for the delivery of more strategic infrastructure that will translate to economic prosperity for generations to come.”
Bamidele described 2025 as a turning point for Nigeria’s economy.
He said the year witnessed reforms across major sectors.
These included taxation, budgeting, constitutional review and electoral processes.
He added that the National Assembly played an active and independent role throughout.
He said the legislature worked closely with other arms of government.
He insisted this cooperation did not undermine legislative independence.
He said lawmakers remained committed to checks and balances.
“In the 2025 financial year, we have achieved quite a lot in enacting a new tax regime; ending the culture of multiple budgets; working with key stakeholders to review the 1999 Constitution and in recalibrating our electoral regime to be more credible and transparent.”
According to him, the Tax Reforms Act remains the most significant outcome.
He said it would eliminate multiple taxation.
He added that it would improve efficiency and fairness in tax collection.
“The enactment of the 2025 Tax Reforms Act, for instance, is perhaps the most consequential of all these reforms.”
Bamidele said the law was carefully structured.
He said it was not rushed or imposed.
He explained that stakeholders from different sectors were consulted.
“The Act, duly enacted after multi-levelled consultation with stakeholders across business, political and social interests, does not represent the gloomy picture the opposition forces are painting.”
He compared the reforms to the removal of fuel subsidy.
He said initial resistance would fade once benefits become visible.
“Like the case of petroleum subsidy removal, Nigerians will soon begin to reap the fruits of the tax reforms.”
The Senate Leader appealed for patience and understanding.
He said Nigerians should study the law carefully.
He urged citizens to focus on long-term gains rather than short-term fears.
“For us at the National Assembly, we again reaffirm our commitment to nation-building and unalloyed support for the people-centred initiatives driven by the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
He also dismissed claims that the Senate merely rubber-stamped executive decisions.
He said the chamber would continue to offer guidance where necessary.
“Away from the rubber stamp narrative, in 2026 and beyond, the Senate will not shirk its responsibilities of guiding and offering necessary advice to other arms of government in line with the principle of checks and balances.”
Bamidele revealed that lawmakers spent months reviewing the bills.
He said several late-night sessions were held before final passage.
He said the interests of ordinary Nigerians were prioritised throughout.
“The import of this is that our dual objectives of ensuring that the interest of ordinary Nigerians are adequately protected and that Nigeria is not lagging behind in modern tax administration were ultimately achieved at the end of the exercise.”
Despite the Senate’s position, opposition leaders remain critical.
Former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have called for suspension.
Labour unions and civil society groups have echoed similar concerns.
The Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigeria Labour Congress also oppose the timing.
President Tinubu, however, has maintained his stance.
He has insisted that the tax laws will take effect from January 1.
The Presidency has shown no sign of backing down despite protests.