The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), soon to be rebranded as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) under recently enacted reforms, has announced a series of milestones and forward-looking measures that will redefine Nigeria’s tax administration.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS, highlighted that the past 24 months have been a period of unprecedented transformation and record revenue performance.
“Our vision has been clear to build a tax system that is fair, transparent, technology-driven, and supportive of Nigeria’s economic growth. The results we have achieved in just two years show that this vision is working,” Dr. Adedeji said.
Key Highlights
New Tax Laws: Four landmark tax reform laws Nigeria Tax (Fair Taxation) Law, Nigeria Tax Administration Law, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Law, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Law will take effect on January 1, 2026, following a six-month transition window. These laws remove VAT on essential goods and services (food, education, medical care, accommodation), simplify tax types, and reduce the multiplicity of taxes.
Revenue Growth: FIRS achieved a historic ₦21.6 trillion collection in 2024, surpassing its target and setting an ambitious ₦25.2 trillion goal for 2025.
Employee Welfare: In April 2024, staff received a 60% salary increase, alongside expanded recruitment and training programs to strengthen institutional capacity.
Technology & Innovation: The TaxProMax platform was upgraded with new modules, a USSD code (*829#) was introduced for easier taxpayer access, and a Merchant-Buyer e-Invoicing solution was rolled out for large taxpayers.
Anti-Corruption & Transparency: The establishment of an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in collaboration with ICPC and open recruitment drives have reinforced accountability and public trust.
“This is not about introducing new taxes or raising tax rates. It is about making tax fair, simple, and efficient so that Nigerians can see the value of what they contribute,” Dr. Adedeji emphasized.
The FIRS will intensify taxpayer sensitization campaigns, particularly for small businesses and the informal sector, to ensure smooth transition into the new legal and technological frameworks by January 2026.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s lead tax authority, mandated to assess, collect, and account for revenues accruable to the federation. Under the new laws, it will be renamed the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to reflect its expanded mandate and renewed commitment to service delivery.
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