Chair of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to driving comprehensive tax reform.
Dr. Adedeji restated this commitment while addressing stakeholders at Domestic Investors Summit in Abuja.
According to a statement by his Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media, Arabinrin Aderonke, the FIRS chief was commended for his clear and practical communication of the reforms being implemented.
Dr. Adedeji noted that the era of theoretical reforms and bureaucratic delays are over, as the administration focuses on actionable policies to create a more transparent, efficient, and growth-driven tax regime.
“Tax reform is no longer in a cabinet file. It is here to stay,” Adedeji said, noting the system is to build trust between government and citizens.
At the heart of the reform is a shift in focus—from taxing efforts to taxing success. Rather than penalising startups and growing businesses, the policy prioritises taxing profits, allowing entrepreneurs to grow without early tax burdens. This, he noted, is to aid innovation and stimulate growth.
The reforms also usher in an era for tax administration through creation of Nigeria Revenue Service, which replaces FIRS.
The agency consolidates tax collection across federal, state, and local levels into one unified body, simplifying compliance and reducing duplication.
Another key item is introduction of a four per cent National Development Levy,This consolidation makes it clearer and more predictable.
In addition, businesses can claim VAT credits on capital equipment, reducing startup and expansion costs by eight per cent.
Small and medium enterprises will gain from tax credits and incentives to drive job creation and innovation.
Adedeji noted establishment of Joint Taxpayer Committee to mediate between different levels of government, promising more efficient resolution and better investor confidence.
“The role of the taxman has changed,” he declared. “The job now is to empower growth, not frustrate it.”
He underscored that the administration is not chasing short-term wins but laying the groundwork for sustainable prosperity. For this to happen, he said, taxation must be seen not as a burden but as a partnership. Transparency, fairness, and accountability, he emphasized, are essential to earning public trust.
Addressing concerns about overlapping levies and inconsistent enforcement, Adedeji reiterated ongoing efforts to harmonise taxes and eliminate arbitrary demands on businesses. “The goal,” he said, “is to remove the fear and replace it with trust.”
By the end of his address, Dr. Adedeji had shifted the conversation from policy to national purpose. His message was clear: tax reform is not just about numbers or institutions—it’s about the kind of Nigeria we want to build.
“He is not performing leadership; he is doing the work,” the statement noted. “Whether it is harmonising taxes, cleaning up collection, or making the system easier for everyday Nigerians, Dr. Zacch is not just reacting to problems; he is reimagining what the tax system can be.”
As the country embarks on this ambitious transformation, he urged citizens to stay engaged, hold the government accountable, and embrace a new culture of mutual responsibility.
