Tax Reform Bills Extricating Nigeria From Economic Cesspit – Atoyebi

The technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Aderonke Atoyebi has stated that the federal government’s tax reform bills are extricating Nigeria from economic inefficiencies and paving the way for economic growth.

Atoyebi noted that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he inherited a system in dire need of reform. “Our tax system had long been plagued by inefficiencies, low compliance rates, and inadequate coverage,” she said.

The country also faced challenges such as a lack of transparency, poor coordination between federal and state tax authorities, and the absence of a modernized tax framework necessary for sustained economic growth.

“President Tinubu was fully aware of these shortcomings before and after assuming office. One of his most strategic moves was appointing a capable leader—Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS—who has since made tax reform a top priority in the administration’s broader economic agenda,” Atoyebi explained.

She continued: “What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘reform’? What do you think of when you hear ‘Tax Reform Bill’? Today, many Nigerians now have a clearer understanding of what is happening. But when you think about it, who comes to mind? There is no other person than the man of the people: Dr. Zacch Adedeji.”

According to Atoyebi, Dr. Zacch knew that no matter how brilliant a reform may look on paper, it must work in practice. Under his leadership, FIRS accelerated internal reforms, digitized processes, automated over 80 per cent of returns processing, and integrated new modules into the TaxProMax system to make tax compliance more efficient and user-friendly.

“This is exactly what Nigerians needed. We are no longer waiting for change—we are making it happen,” she added.

By the end of 2024, four draft bills were introduced: The Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Nigeria Taxation (Consolidation) Bill, and The Joint Tax Board Bill.

Each bill was designed to streamline existing laws, harmonize tax administration, and broaden the tax base without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. Public hearings were held at the National Assembly, allowing for scrutiny, expert feedback, and input from governors and stakeholders. Some proposals were amended, including the decision to retain the current VAT rate.

“On March 13, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Reform Bills. The Senate is expected to debate the bills after its current recess, with plenary resuming on April 29, 2025. Once the Senate passes them, they will be sent to the President for assent. This is the final stretch,” she said.

Atoyebi concluded by emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the reforms: “Let’s not forget how we got here. It took presidential will, expert guidance, and above all, Dr. Zacch—the Tax Boss himself. He has not only championed this process but owned it with clarity, purpose, and results.”

“With continued execution and the right structures in place, these tax reforms will build a stronger, more inclusive system that benefits both government and everyday Nigerians. The Tax Reform Bill is not just another trend—it’s the change we’ve been asking for. And most importantly, it’s here to stay.”
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi an technical assistant to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service