The Federal Government has set January 1, 2026, as the official commencement date for implementing four newly signed tax and fiscal reform laws, providing a six-month preparation period for nationwide awareness and proper implementation modalities.
Zach Adedeji, Chairman of the newly rebranded Nigeria Revenue Service, announced the timeline during a press briefing shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the landmark legislation into law. The announcement marks a significant transformation in Nigeria’s revenue collection framework, with the former Federal Inland Revenue Service now operating under an expanded mandate.
Adedeji revealed that the organization’s rebranding reflects its broader responsibilities beyond traditional tax collection. He emphasized that the Nigeria Revenue Service now encompasses both tax and non-tax revenue collection activities, supported by a performance-driven operational structure designed to enhance efficiency and accountability.
The transition represents a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, with the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill serving as one of the four key pieces of legislation that repeals the old FIRS Act. According to Adedeji, the new framework introduces enhanced mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency across all revenue collection activities.
The six-month implementation window has been strategically designed to ensure comprehensive preparation and public education. Adedeji stressed that this period would enable the government and relevant stakeholders to adequately prepare while ensuring Nigerians are fully informed about the reforms and their implications for the country’s economic landscape.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, cautioned that signing the legislation represents only the beginning of a more complex implementation journey. He emphasized that even the most innovative and transformative laws remain meaningless without proper execution, highlighting the administration’s commitment to ensuring successful implementation.
Oyedele outlined plans for a collaborative implementation approach that will involve multiple stakeholders across various sectors. The strategy encompasses partnerships with private sector entities, public institutions, civil society organizations, professional bodies, tax consultants, and international partners committed to supporting Nigeria’s fiscal transformation.
The comprehensive reform package is expected to revolutionize Nigeria’s revenue generation capabilities while improving transparency and efficiency in fiscal operations. The administration has positioned these reforms as critical components of broader economic diversification efforts aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues and strengthening the country’s fiscal foundation.
