We’ve been following the journey closely — you, me, and Nigerians everywhere. We’ve moved beyond conversations and consultations. Now, the House of Representatives has passed the Tax Reform Bills, marking a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s tax system.
When you hear the word “reform,” what comes to mind? And when you think of the “Tax Reform Bill,” who do you envision? For many Nigerians, there’s one clear answer: Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he inherited an economy in urgent need of revival. Our tax system was riddled with inefficiencies, low compliance, limited coverage, and a lack of transparency. Coordination between federal and state tax authorities was weak, and the tax framework itself was outdated, incapable of supporting long-term growth.
President Tinubu, fully aware of these challenges, made a decisive move: he appointed the right man for the job — Dr. Zacch Adedeji. Tax reform became a cornerstone of the government’s broader economic strategy, and under Dr. Zacch’s leadership, real change began.
Understanding that reforms must work beyond paper, Dr. Zacch launched an aggressive modernization drive. FIRS accelerated internal reforms, digitised processes, automated over 80% of returns processing, and upgraded the TaxProMax system with new modules that made tax compliance smarter and easier. Nigerians weren’t waiting for change — we were making it happen.
By late 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. These bills were crafted to streamline tax laws, harmonise administration, and expand the tax base — all without putting undue pressure on taxpayers. Through public hearings and rigorous consultations, the National Assembly ensured that every voice was heard. Some proposals were revised, such as the decision to maintain the current VAT rate.
On March 13, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Reform Bills. After the Senate returns from recess on April 29, 2025, it is expected to debate and pass them, after which the bills will move to the President’s desk for assent. We are now in the final stretch.
But it’s important to remember how we got here: it took presidential resolve, expert contributions, and above all, the steadfast leadership of Dr. Zacch. He didn’t just oversee the process — he owned it, driving it forward with clarity, purpose, and tangible results.
With sustained execution and the right structures in place, these reforms will lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Nigerian economy — one that benefits both the government and the people.
The Tax Reform Bills are not just another trend. They represent the change we demanded — and most importantly, the change that’s here to stay.
For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Sunmola David & CO (Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners) at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices, www.sunmoladavid.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.
