The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said the Nigeria’s new tax laws will take effect from January 1, 2026, under a renamed agency — the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Its chairman, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
The development followed the signing into law of four tax reform bills by President Bola Tinubu.
The four new regulations are the Nigeria tax (fair taxation) law, Nigeria tax administration law, joint revenue board (establishment) law, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (establishment) law.
The bills are expected to bring relief to Nigerians, restore fairness in the tax system, and ignite inclusive economic growth.
Adedeji told the state house correspondents, that the implementation of the laws will begin in January 2026.
This, he said, is to allow “the administration six months for planning, education, and alignment with the fiscal calendar”.
“Based on best practices globally, because when you have this kind of change, it takes time for all the stakeholders, participant operators, and even the regulator to change the system,” the FIRS boss said.
So, with the magnanimity of the national assembly, Mr. President, the effective date will be January 1, 2026 by the special grace of Almighty God.
“When you have this kind of change, it’s not what you do mid-year, because, if the application of law is better, you start from the beginning of the year.
“So effective dates, by God’s grace, will be first of January 2026”.
Adedeji also praised the leadership behind the initiative.
He described the reforms as “a dream come true”, made possible by the “political will” of the president and the maturity of Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the presidential tax reforms committee.
“These reforms are about relieving people of multiple taxes, not about raising more taxes. There will be more money in the hands of ordinary Nigerians to take care of their daily needs,” Adedeji added.
Listing key changes in the laws, the taxman said value-added tax (VAT) will no longer apply to food, medical services, education, and accommodation under the new tax regime, “easing the cost of living for many Nigerians”.
“Transparent Incentive Regime: The laws introduce clearer rules around tax incentives, aiming to eliminate wasteful exemptions and curb tax evasion,” he said.
“Enhanced Efficiency: The reforms empower the Nigeria Revenue Service with better technology and expanded authority to improve tax collection.
“Transparent Incentive Regime: The laws introduce clearer rules around tax incentives, aiming to eliminate wasteful exemptions and curb tax evasion,” he said.
“Enhanced Efficiency: The reforms empower the Nigeria Revenue Service with better technology and expanded authority to improve tax collection.
“Social Contract Revisited: The new laws redefine the relationship between the government and taxpayers, emphasising fairness and accountability.”
The Cable
