Nigeria: Why Nigeria's Tax System Is Undergoing Significant Reforms - FIRS

19 September 2024

The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zaach Adedeji, yesterday explained that Nigeria's tax system reforms are driven by the need for increased revenue, better compliance, and more equitable economic practices.

Adedeji spoke in Lagos on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at a stakeholders' engagement organised by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking on the theme "Emerging Tax Matters," the FIRS Chairman who was represented by the Acting Director, Medium Taxpayers Department - South, Mrs Oti Olaniyi, identified recent organizational restructuring of the FIRS, tax reforms including Finance Acts, Deduction at Source (Withholding) regulations 2024 among other drives.

He said "Nigeria is at a crucial juncture in its economic evolution. Our tax system, a foundational element of economic policy, is undergoing significant reforms. These changes are driven by the need for increased revenue, better compliance, and more equitable economic practices.

"These reforms are essential to meet with emerging tax issues and also commensurate with the fiscal tax reforms being handled by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.

"Historically, our tax revenue has not kept pace with the needs of our expanding population and infrastructure demands. Our heavy reliance on oil revenues has highlighted the need for diversification. Thus, modernizing our tax system to address current economic challenges is crucial."

Adedeji expressed FIRS' commitment to a customer-centric approach aimed at enhancing voluntary compliance and boosting revenue generation.

"The emerging tax matters in Nigeria present both challenges and opportunities. By embracing reform, leveraging technology, and ensuring transparency, we can develop a tax system that supports sustainable growth and equitable development."

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.