President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the new tax framework set to take effect in 2026 will ease financial burdens, particularly for low-income earners, small businesses, and the economically vulnerable.

The assurance came on Tuesday during the 8th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, which coincided with the 76th posthumous birthday lecture of the late former Oyo State Governor, held at the University of Ibadan. The event, organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, attracted family members, associates, and partners of the late governor. Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba chaired the event.

According to PUNCH Online, Ajimobi governed Oyo State between 2011 and 2019 and passed away in June 2020, a year after leaving office. Tinubu’s message was delivered on his behalf by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zaccheus Adedeji.

Economic Reforms and Positive Indicators

Speaking through Adedeji, Tinubu highlighted the recent economic reforms by his administration, noting that early indicators suggest tangible improvements.

“As recent evidence has shown, the economic measures undertaken by our administration were necessary to revitalise the economy. Investor confidence has been restored, and robust macroeconomic indicators demonstrate the impact of these reforms,” Tinubu said.

He pointed to key economic metrics, including GDP growth, a declining inflation rate, and progress in reducing the fiscal deficit. He also noted that many companies previously posting losses have returned to profitability, with improved capacity utilisation and increased investments.

“The benefits of these reforms will become more apparent to Nigerians in the coming year, particularly through the new tax laws. These laws will exempt essential sectors such as food, healthcare, education, agriculture, and shared transportation from excessive taxation while also reducing multiple levies on small businesses,” the President added.

Tinubu reassured Nigerians that the new tax laws are designed to offer relief rather than create additional burdens.

Honouring Ajimobi’s Legacy

During the event, Tinubu praised Ambassador-designate Florence Ajimobi, the widow of the late governor, for sustaining the family’s legacy. He urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The best tribute to our departed statesman is to strengthen the party and secure governance in Oyo State in 2027. This goal is achievable and must be achieved,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the roundtable as a fitting occasion to celebrate Ajimobi’s contributions and engage critical democratic issues. Makinde emphasised that rebuilding trust in Nigerian democracy requires sincerity, accountability, and inclusive governance, with electoral credibility dependent on internal party democracy and delivery on promises.

Experts Highlight Need for Political Reform

Delivering the lead paper, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, identified political party reform as essential for democratic renewal. He noted that challenges such as voter apathy, weak internal democracy, electoral violence, insecurity, and trust deficits continue to undermine electoral credibility in Nigeria.

Florence Ajimobi, President of the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation, praised Tinubu for his loyalty to the late governor and his commitment to shared ideals of good governance and democratic development. She commended his consistent participation in the annual event as evidence of genuine support for Ajimobi’s vision.

Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who served as Special Guest of Honour, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, traditional rulers, community leaders, and students.