By Matthew Denis
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Dr. Emeka Obegolu, has urged the government to prioritize economic expansion over increasing taxes as the most sustainable way to raise revenue.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Obegolu highlighted ACCI’s ongoing advocacy for a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system in the Federal Capital Territory. He said the chamber has engaged stakeholders through position papers and a Business Tax Town Hall Meeting involving tax officials, the FCT Administration, professional bodies, and business operators.
“Our position has been consistent: tax reforms should eliminate multiple taxation, streamline compliance, and leverage technology to reduce human interference,” he said. “While we acknowledge the government’s efforts to reform the tax system, sustainable revenue growth comes from expanding the economy, not overburdening businesses.”
Dr. Obegolu called for clear guidelines and capacity-building programs ahead of the 2026 tax implementation, suggesting phased rollouts, protections for small businesses, and functional feedback channels for reporting implementation challenges.
He stressed that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up a significant portion of registered businesses in the FCT, remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but face obstacles such as high operational costs, unreliable power, and limited access to finance.
He said: “In 2025, ACCI intensified support for MSMEs through capacity-building, business clinics, partnerships with financial institutions, and regulatory engagement.
“In 2026, we will introduce initiatives to enhance digital adoption, expand market access, promote green technologies, and strengthen dispute-resolution support.”
Dr. Obegolu also urged the government to promote cleaner and cheaper energy alternatives, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicle adoption, to reduce operational costs and help stabilize inflation.
He reaffurmed ACCI’s commitment to supporting businesses and advocating for pro-growth policies that encourage investment, productivity, and economic transformation.