New Tax Laws Take Effect January 2026 — Adedeji

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) now known as Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has announced that the newly assented fiscal reform tax laws by President Bola Tinubu will officially take effect from January 1, 2026.

Adedeji made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday following the presidential assent to the four tax reform bills, which he described as a historic shift toward building a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient fiscal system.

“The six-month window between the signing and the commencement of the laws is intentional,” Adedeji explained. “It will allow sufficient time for adequate sensitisation, institutional adjustments, and nationwide preparations for implementation.”

The four new laws are: Nigeria Tax Bill (Fair Taxation), Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

A key feature of the reform is the transformation of FIRS to NRS with the enactment of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act.

“Two hours ago, we were FIRS. Now we are the Nigeria Revenue Service,” Adedeji said. “Our scope has been expanded to go beyond just tax collection. We now have the legal backing to manage non-tax revenue streams as well, with enhanced autonomy, transparency, and performance accountability.”

The new agency, according to him, is performance-driven and equipped to deliver a modern revenue service aligned with international best practices.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, emphasised that while the laws mark a significant legislative achievement, the real task lies in effective implementation.

“No matter how transformative a law is, if it is not properly implemented, it amounts to nothing,” Oyedele said. “Mr. President has now charged us to move into full implementation mode — and we are ready.”

He stressed that the reforms required an all-of-society approach, involving stakeholders from both public and private sectors, civil society, professional bodies, and international partners.

“This is not something government can do alone. We need every well-meaning stakeholder — private sector, public institutions, tax consultants, civil society, and global development partners — to work together toward this national rebirth,” Oyedele added.

He urged sincerity and commitment, noting that successful implementation would enable Nigerians to look back years from now with pride, knowing they collectively shaped a better fiscal future.

President Tinubu had earlier described the tax reform bills as a “foundation for a leaner, fairer Nigeria,” stressing that the aim was to eliminate inefficiencies, protect the vulnerable, and drive economic growth without punishing productivity.

The laws are part of his administration’s broader Renewed Hope agenda to improve the business environment, boost revenue generation, and foster equitable development across the country.

With the January 2026 rollout date, government agencies and stakeholders now face a crucial transition period to put necessary structures in place and ensure that the new tax laws deliver on their promise.