The University of Lagos, in partnership with Nodeori Group, has convened the 2026 National Tax Forum to examine the implications of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax reforms for businesses, government revenue and the informal sector.
The two-day forum, which opened on Thursday in Lagos, brought together government officials, tax administrators, legal practitioners, economists, academics, business leaders and development partners to discuss the implementation of the country’s new tax regime.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Foluso Afolabi Lesi described taxation as a key driver of sustainable national development, stressing the need for a fair, transparent and efficient tax system that encourages voluntary compliance.
He said universities have a critical role to play in shaping public policy through research and professional education, highlighting UNILAG’s contributions to Nigeria’s fiscal reforms, including the work of the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Abiola O. Sanni, who chaired the committee that produced the Revised National Tax Policy in 2017.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Special Adviser on Revenue, Olufemi Olarinde, said the Federal Government’s tax reform agenda is designed to stimulate economic growth, simplify tax compliance, improve the investment climate and increase government revenue without placing unnecessary burdens on businesses and taxpayers.
According to him, the success of the newly enacted tax laws will depend not only on legislation but also on sustained stakeholder engagement and public understanding of the reforms.
The forum featured technical sessions on issues including Value Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax, taxation of the informal sector, digital tax administration, SME compliance, investment incentives, tax dispute resolution and fiscal responsibility.
Participants are expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening tax administration, improving revenue performance and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic development at the conclusion of the forum.
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