Nigeria’s Tax Evolution: FIRS Rebranded as Nigerian Revenue Service under Tinubu’s Tax Reform Laws

In a bold move towards fiscal modernization, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law a series of Tax Reform Bills, effectively transforming the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) into the newly branded Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS). This pivotal shift not only renames the agency but also expands its operational scope to include both tax and non-tax revenue collection—ushering in a new era of tax administration in Nigeria.

The announcement was made by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the NRS, during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja shortly after the President’s formal assent. “We were Federal Inland Revenue Service two hours ago, but through the assent by Mr. President, we are now the Nigerian Revenue Service,” he declared. “This change is more than symbolic. It marks a significant structural evolution intended to enhance efficiency and accountability in national revenue management.”

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Expanded Mandate for Nigerian Revenue Service

The renamed Nigerian Revenue Service now operates with a broader mandate than its predecessor. Unlike FIRS, which was primarily focused on tax collection, the NRS is now charged with overseeing the coordination of all tax-related efforts nationwide, in addition to collecting non-tax revenues. This means the agency will play a central role in enforcing Nigeria’s new tax laws, supervising compliance, and supporting both federal and sub-national fiscal operations.

According to Adedeji, the rebranding is backed by the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, one of the four laws President Tinubu signed into effect. This bill repeals the old FIRS Act and replaces it with a comprehensive framework designed to improve service delivery, increase public trust, and streamline revenue collection across all tiers of government.

“This is a performance-driven structure we are building,” Adedeji added. “We aim to ensure maximum transparency and accountability, while aligning with international best practices.”

New Era in Tax Governance Begins January 2026

The Federal Government has announced that the implementation of these reforms will commence on January 1, 2026, offering a six-month grace period to prepare stakeholders and educate the public. This transition window, Adedeji explained, will be used to lay down operational modalities and initiate a nationwide awareness campaign.

“The six-month preparation phase is crucial,” he said. “We intend to bring Nigerians along every step of this journey, to build understanding and ownership of the process.”

The reforms are part of a larger vision for national development. A statement from the NRS via its official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account emphasized that these laws will bolster revenue generation and sustain economic growth. “This landmark move signals the beginning of a new era in tax administration, designed to promote efficiency, equity, and sustainability in revenue generation,” the statement read.

Collaborative Approach to Implementation

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, highlighted that passing the laws is merely the starting point. The true challenge, he noted, lies in implementation. “Writing the law, no matter how beautiful or transformative, means nothing if it is not effectively executed,” Oyedele remarked.

He outlined a collective implementation strategy involving not only government agencies but also the private sector, civil society, professional bodies, and international stakeholders. This collaborative model is designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and a results-driven approach.

“It is something we must all own,” Oyedele emphasized. “The government cannot do it alone. The private sector, civil society, tax consultants, and our international partners all have a role to play in this transformation.”

President Tinubu’s administration has consistently advocated for systemic reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic infrastructure, and the signing of these tax bills is a testament to that commitment. Analysts suggest that the expanded NRS could become a cornerstone in achieving Nigeria’s long-term fiscal and developmental goals.

 A Transformative Step for Nigeria’s Economy

The rebranding of FIRS to the Nigerian Revenue Service under the newly signed tax laws signifies a transformative leap for Nigeria’s public finance architecture. By embracing a modernized, performance-oriented approach, the government is not only repositioning its revenue collection agency but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.

With the implementation phase set to begin in 2026, all eyes will be on how effectively the reforms are rolled out. If executed as planned, the new structure could substantially improve Nigeria’s revenue base, facilitate economic growth, and enhance service delivery across the