The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has clarified that the ongoing tax reforms initiated by the Federal Government will not introduce new taxes or increase the rates of existing ones. Speaking during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja on Tuesday, Adedeji reassured Nigerians that the reforms are aimed at improving the efficiency and simplicity of tax administration without adding any additional tax burdens.
“Tax reform will not introduce any new taxes or increase the percentage of existing taxes,” Adedeji said. “Instead, it will reduce the number of taxes being paid by Nigerians.”
He also emphasized that the reforms would not involve the merging of any government agencies or result in job losses. “The tax reform is focused on streamlining the system to make it more effective, not on cutting jobs,” he added.
Executive Bills to Formalize the Reforms
Adedeji revealed that four executive bills have been submitted to both chambers of the National Assembly to formalize the tax reforms. These bills include:
Nigeria Tax Bill
Nigeria Tax Administration Act (Amendment) Bill
Nigeria Revenue Service Bill
Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill
Once passed, these bills are expected to harmonize Nigeria’s multiple tax laws, making the system more efficient and transparent. They will also align Nigeria’s tax framework with international standards, expand the tax base, and foster better coordination among revenue-generating agencies.
“The bills will simplify tax laws, enhance transparency, and create synergy among relevant agencies, ultimately driving modernization in Nigeria’s tax system,” Adedeji explained.
Renaming of FIRS to Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS)
Adedeji also addressed the proposed renaming of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), explaining that the current name no longer fully reflects the scope of the agency’s services. The new name, he said, would more accurately represent its broader mandate in managing Nigeria’s revenue system.
Senate’s Response
Sen. Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, responded positively to the FIRS leadership, acknowledging the importance of tax reforms to the government’s economic agenda. He commended Adedeji and his team for meeting revenue targets for the fiscal year and encouraged them to aim for even greater achievements.
“Tax reforms are central to the government’s agenda and require meaningful contributions from all stakeholders,” Musa said, reiterating the Senate’s support for the ongoing reforms.
The interactive session marks a key step in advancing Nigeria’s tax reform efforts, which are critical to boosting revenue generation, improving public services, and driving economic growth.
