As Nigeria prepares to roll out its new tax system next month, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the newly inaugurated National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), has assured that the process will be conducted responsibly, fairly, and with a human-centered approach.

Tegbe made the remarks over the weekend in Abuja, shortly after the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, formally inaugurated the committee.

He said the committee will undertake wide consultations with businesses, professional bodies, civil society, and subnational governments to ensure smooth implementation. “We want to reassure Nigerians and investors that the implementation of this act will be fair, transparent, and carried out with a human face,” Tegbe said.

Highlighting the committee’s priorities, he added, “The work ahead is huge and critical for our national progress. The laws touch the foundations of tax administration, align federal and state interpretations, and ease the process of doing business.”

Tegbe also addressed concerns over the protection of citizens’ finances, stating emphatically that the government will not encroach on personal bank accounts. “The government has no business irresponsibly accessing personal bank accounts of citizens. Nigerians are not under probe or investigation,” he said.

On specific areas of concern such as the Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Tegbe assured that stakeholders’ feedback would be considered. “We will work hard with stakeholders to ensure areas that need further clarification are resolved. Whatever resolutions are made will take into account the concerns expressed,” he added.

The committee’s approach, according to Tegbe, emphasizes broad stakeholder engagement, ensuring fair buy-in and ownership of the new tax system while incentivizing businesses to thrive and attract both local and foreign investment.