President Bola Tinubu has signed four major tax reform bills into law, setting the stage for the commencement of a new tax regime aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s revenue administration system. The new laws, which take effect from January 1, 2026, were signed during a brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The bills include:
- Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business)
- Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
- Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill
- Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill
The legislation is part of a broader fiscal reform agenda designed to boost government revenue, streamline the nation’s complex tax system, and enhance the investment climate.
According to the Presidency, the new legal framework will unify Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws, establish a performance-driven national tax agency, and promote cooperation among federal, state, and local tax authorities.
New Era in Tax Administration
The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, said the implementation of the new regime will begin on January 1, 2026, giving stakeholders six months to adapt.
“It takes time for all the stakeholders—participants, operators, and regulators—to change the system. With the magnanimity of the National Assembly, Mr President assented to the bills, and the effective date will be January 1, 2026. We have six full months for both sensitisation and planning,” Adedeji said.
He added that the timeline aligns with the government’s fiscal year to ensure a smooth transition.
Responding to Opposition
The reforms had faced criticism from some quarters, particularly from governors who expressed concerns that certain provisions could strain state finances. However, the Presidency and National Assembly maintained that extensive consultations were held with stakeholders and that fears of revenue loss had been addressed.
Presidential Endorsement
Describing the legislation as “a new lease of life” for Nigerians, President Tinubu declared:
“What we did a few minutes ago is the way forward for our country’s prosperity. Leadership must help people take off, lead the way, and navigate every turn and twist. We must help them reach their destination.”
He added that the new laws mark a shift toward a more open, investment-friendly economy.
“We have shown the world that Nigeria is ready and open for business,” Tinubu said.
Broad Institutional Backing
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President’s leadership, noting that the reforms would serve future generations.
“This law would last for generations to come. You campaigned based on change for the country, and you have delivered,” Akpabio stated.
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, praised the President for allowing the committee to operate independently and offering only strategic guidance.
“History will remember you for good for transforming our country because you went for a fundamental reform,” Oyedele said.
The Joint Revenue Board Bill is expected to facilitate structured cooperation between federal and sub-national tax authorities, while the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill repeals the existing FIRS Act and establishes a more autonomous, performance-driven agency.
The tax reform bills were passed by the National Assembly after months of technical reviews and stakeholder consultations.
