January 9 Collective (J9C), a multidisciplinary network of Nigerian professionals, has announced that Oba Saheed Elegushi, the Elegushi of the Ikate Elegushi Kingdom, and Stanbic IBTC Bank chief executive officer, Mr Wole Adeniyi, will lead its 14th anniversary lecture.
The lecture, themed “Nigeria Tax Reforms Act 2025: Early Realities, Emerging Challenges and the Road Ahead,” according to J9C publicity secretary Olumide Iyanda, will hold on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event comes amid public debate, including allegations that the executive altered provisions passed by the National Assembly.
Despite the controversy, President Bola Tinubu has described the reforms as a major opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework and urged stakeholders to support the implementation process.
Against this backdrop, the J9C lecture will bring together policymakers, economists and industry professionals to examine the early realities of the new tax laws, the challenges emerging from their implementation and the road ahead.
Oba Elegushi will serve as royal father of the day while Mr Adeniyi will be the chairman.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Paul Alaje, chief economist at SPM Professionals.
Panellists include Dr Muda Yusuf, chief executive officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise; Mrs Elizabeth Olaghere, partner, KPMG Tax, Regulatory and People Services; Mr Segun Kadir-Ajayi, director general of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Mr Muktar Mohammed, CEO and founder of Finance with Muktar.
The discussion will be moderated by Ms Ini John Mekwa, deputy editor and head of the business desk at Channels Television, while the event will be hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka.
“This year’s anniversary lecture comes at a critical moment in our national life, as Nigeria begins to grapple with the early realities of far-reaching tax reforms that will shape government revenue, business operations and citizen trust for years to come,” said J9C Captain, Kingsley James. “By focusing on the Nigeria Tax Reforms Act, we aim to create a space for informed, balanced and practical conversations around what is working, the challenges emerging and what needs to be done going forward.
“Since its founding, the January 9 Collective has stood for thoughtful engagement, intellectual honesty and the belief that progress is driven by ideas shared in good faith. J9C brings together leaders, professionals and policymakers who are committed to constructive dialogue and nation building, and this lecture reflects our continued commitment to that purpose.”
The J9C anniversary lecture is an annual platform that brings together business leaders, public sector actors and professionals to examine key national issues and promote informed public discourse.
