The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has appealed to the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the 2026 Tax Reform Act, which is expected to commence on January 1, 2026. The group said its position is based on concerns over content integrity, fiscal governance and tax sovereignty. In a statement jointly signed by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere also advised the government to delay presenting the 2026 budget until Nigeria’s fiscal framework undergoes a comprehensive review. The organisation alleged discrepancies between the gazetted version of the tax law and the version reportedly passed by the National Assembly, calling for an independent audit involving lawmakers and external auditors, and warning that any confirmed constitutional breach should attract sanctions.

Afenifere further criticised reports that the Federal Inland Revenue Service outsourced the development and management of Nigeria’s tax system to foreign entities, describing the move as a threat to national security, data protection and economic sovereignty. The group warned that allowing foreign control of sensitive fiscal and personal data could expose the country to economic exploitation, likening the practice to economic recolonisation. It also faulted the neglect of local expertise, insisting that Nigeria has qualified professionals capable of managing its tax system without external dependence.

On fiscal management, the group called for an emergency national economic audit, citing disclosures by the Minister of Finance that Nigeria recorded a significant revenue shortfall in 2025 despite earlier assurances of meeting targets. Afenifere argued that rising public debt and deficit financing have worsened living conditions through subsidy removals and higher energy and communication costs. The organisation renewed its call for economic sovereignty, increased social welfare investment in housing, education and healthcare, and a review of the 2026 Tax Reform Act in favour of policies that promote inclusive growth and national prosperity.