Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman Assures Nigerians: Tax Reform Aims to Reduce, Not Increase Taxes
Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has reassured Nigerians that the ongoing tax reform initiative aims to reduce the number of taxes without introducing new ones or increasing existing tax rates.
During an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja, he emphasized that the reform’s primary objective is to enhance the efficiency of tax administration in Nigeria.
He clarified that the reforms focus on streamlining the tax system, promoting simplicity and efficiency rather than burdening citizens with higher taxes.
Furthermore, he stressed that the current tax policies are designed to foster prosperity, not to tax poverty, underscoring a commitment to a more supportive tax environment for Nigerians.
In addition, he provided an update on four executive bills pending before the National Assembly, which, if passed, will harmonize multiple tax laws, enhance operational efficiency, and simplify regulations. The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (Amendment) Bill, among others, aiming to promote transparency and align tax practices with international standards.
Adedeji also addressed the proposal to rename the FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), citing that the current name does not accurately reflect the agency’s extensive range of services. Meanwhile, Sani Musa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, reiterated the critical role of tax reforms in the government’s agenda and urged for collaborative contributions from all stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
