President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFRN

President Bola Tinubu has signed into law four key tax reform bills aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s fiscal framework and improving revenue generation. The bills, recently passed by the National Assembly, were assented to today at a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The new laws include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. The signing was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, several governors, ministers, and senior aides to the president.

According to a statement from the presidency, the new tax regime is expected to drive significant improvements in tax administration, enhance the ease of doing business, and attract both domestic and foreign investments.

Speaking after the signing, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, confirmed that the implementation of the new tax laws will commence on January 1, 2026.

“It takes time for all stakeholders—participants, operators, and regulators—to adapt to a new system. With the cooperation of the National Assembly, Mr President has assented to the bills. The effective date is January 1, 2026. We have six full months for both sensitisation and planning,” Adedeji said.

He added that aligning the new tax structure with the federal government’s fiscal calendar was essential for a smooth transition, noting that proper awareness campaigns would be launched ahead of the implementation.

The bills, part of Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda, had generated widespread debate and resistance, especially from some state governors who argued that specific provisions might affect their ability to meet salary obligations.

However, the presidency and National Assembly leadership insisted that extensive stakeholder consultations were conducted nationwide. They assured that the concerns of the governors and other interest groups were taken into consideration before the final passage of the legislation.

The laws mark a major milestone in the administration’s efforts to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, reduce duplication, and establish a transparent and accountable revenue collection mechanism.