DOPF Lecture 2025: Delta Leaders, Experts Explain How New Tax Law Benefits SMEs

Stakeholders at the 2025 Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Annual Lecture in Asaba have described Nigeria’s new tax law as a game-changing reform with the potential to boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), strengthen revenue generation and drive sustainable national development, if government upholds transparency and accountability in its implementation.

Delivering the keynote address, Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Dr. Ochuko Emudainohwo, FCA, said the 2025 tax law was crafted as a strategic blueprint to reposition Nigeria for a more diversified and resilient economic future.

Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society,” he explained that the reform emerged in response to several pressing economic challenges, including declining oil revenue, population pressures on public services and lingering shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Taxation remains one of the strongest instruments for national development,” he said, noting that the law consolidates income and company taxes into a unified tax framework designed to streamline compliance, eliminate administrative bottlenecks and enhance transparency.

SMEs to Benefit from Tax Exemptions

Dr. Emudainohwo described the new tax regime as “pro-people,” highlighting that companies with an annual turnover below N50 million are now exempted from capital-based taxes and company income taxes. The exemption, he said, will ease operational burdens on SMEs, stimulate entrepreneurship and foster innovation across sectors.

He also praised the law’s digital tax provisions, which strengthen accountability, reduce leakages and modernize Nigeria’s revenue system.

Delta Leaders: Tax Reform Must Deliver Value

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman of the 2025 DOPF Lecture, Mr. Edward Obiefuna Martyns; and DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, stressed that public acceptance of the reform will depend on whether government utilizes tax revenue responsibly.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Governor Oborevwori said the federal government must show visible results in infrastructure, services and economic stability to sustain public trust.

“It is not about collecting money; give the people value for their money,” he cautioned, urging citizens to understand how the policy affects them and participate actively in monitoring government performance.

Martyns noted that the new tax framework will reshape business operations and raise the bar for assessing government accountability. He challenged journalists to intensify scrutiny of public spending and ensure consistent reportage that promotes transparency.

“The Forum has a role to play in shaping society,” he said. “Revenue must be used to improve infrastructure, health, education and the business environment.”

Citizens Expect Better Roads, Security and Services — Enebeli

In his address, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Enebeli, emphasized that taxpayers expect measurable improvements once the new tax era begins.

“It is not just about taxation; Nigerians expect better roads, safer communities and a business-friendly environment,” he stressed.

He commended the Delta State Government for progress on the Ughelli–Kwale–Asaba Road but urged urgent action on other critical corridors, including the Agbor–Asaba–Onitsha Road, Effurun–Sapele–Benin Road and the long-neglected Agbor–Umutu–Obiaruku–Abraka–Eku–Sapele route, which he said has worsened economic hardship for businesses and residents.

Enebeli also highlighted the importance of security in economic growth, applauding the Delta State Security Trust Fund and calling for quick assent and implementation of the newly passed State Community Security Bill. He encouraged businesses, corporate bodies and citizens to support government efforts to strengthen investor confidence.

Shaping Nigeria’s New Tax Era

The 2025 DOPF Annual Lecture brought together academics, government officials, business leaders and media practitioners, offering in-depth insights into how the new tax law will reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Speakers unanimously agreed that while the reform presents significant opportunities for SMEs and national revenue growth, its success ultimately hinges on transparency, citizen engagement and responsible governance as Nigeria enters a new era of tax administration.