Revenue Service boss urges patience, backs Tinubu’s reforms as Nigeria moves to unify tax system
Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said the Federal Government will require at least five years to fully stabilise and embed Nigeria’s newly introduced tax laws.
Adedeji made the remarks on Thursday while speaking at a crossover service in Oyo State, where he explained that the new tax framework is aimed at harmonising Nigeria’s fragmented tax structure into a single, coordinated system.
According to him, the reforms are designed to eliminate multiple and overlapping taxes, significantly reduce compliance costs, and streamline revenue administration across the country.
One-Stop Revenue System
The NRS chairman said the new laws will create a one-stop shop for revenue administration, improving efficiency and making Nigeria more competitive when compared with other African and global economies.
“We have just launched the new law, and we will need a minimum of five years to stabilise it,” Adedeji said.
“I trust the capacity of my colleagues. We are more than prepared to give Nigeria what it deserves, the very best.”
Call for Public Support
Adedeji appealed to Nigerians, including religious leaders, to support President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, stressing that strong domestic revenue mobilisation is essential to sustaining the country’s economic transformation and prosperity drive.
Background to the Reforms
President Tinubu signed four major tax reform bills into law on June 26, marking one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s tax system in decades.
The laws include:
- The Nigeria Tax Bill
- The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
- The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill
- The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill
Despite calls from some groups to halt implementation, the president has maintained that the reforms will proceed as scheduled.
While acknowledging public concerns over alleged discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those gazetted, Tinubu said there is no substantive reason to delay implementation.
‘Not Designed to Raise Taxes’ — Tinubu
The president has repeatedly stated that the reforms are not intended to increase taxes, but rather to build a fairer, more competitive, and more sustainable fiscal framework for the country.
According to Tinubu, the tax overhaul represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s revenue system, improve efficiency, and lay a solid foundation for long-term economic growth.
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