In a significant move to reposition Nigeria’s fiscal framework and strengthen its economic reform agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday signed into law four pivotal tax reform bills designed to modernize the country’s tax administration, enhance government revenue, and improve the ease of doing business.

The four new laws—the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, the National Tax Crimes Enforcement and Administration Act, the Fiscal Framework for States and Local Governments Act, and the National Joint Tax Board Reform Bill—mark a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system. The legislation is aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, encouraging private sector investment, and fostering greater transparency in revenue collection.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a tax system that is fair, efficient, and growth-oriented.

“With these new laws, we are not just reforming our tax codes; we are transforming our national economy. Nigeria must become a country where revenue generation is driven by efficiency, equity, and growth—not by overburdening our people or businesses,” the President said.

Under the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) will be replaced by a more autonomous, technologically advanced Nigeria Revenue Service, equipped to enhance nationwide tax oversight, combat tax evasion, and expand the tax base.

The National Tax Crimes Enforcement and Administration Act establishes a legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of tax-related offences—addressing a critical gap in Nigeria’s fiscal enforcement structure.

Meanwhile, the Fiscal Framework for States and Local Governments Act seeks to harmonize tax policies across sub-national governments, eliminating decades of overlapping taxation and regulatory confusion that have stifled enterprise growth in many regions.

The National Joint Tax Board Reform Bill will restructure intergovernmental coordination on tax matters, empowering a reformed Joint Tax Board to drive policy alignment and data integration between federal, state, and local tax authorities.

The reforms have been widely praised by economic stakeholders, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and key international development partners.

“The passage of these bills represents a critical inflection point in Nigeria’s fiscal journey,” said NESG Chairman, Mr. Niyi Yusuf. “It signals to investors, both local and foreign, that Nigeria is serious about improving its tax ecosystem to drive inclusive and sustainable development.”

Policy analysts suggest the reforms could significantly raise Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio—currently one of the lowest in Africa—by improving digital integration, streamlining processes, and promoting voluntary compliance.

The bills were the result of months of stakeholder consultations and recommendations from the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, chaired by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele. The committee has been tasked with developing a more coherent and competitive fiscal environment for the country.

To ensure smooth implementation, President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Finance and the newly created Nigeria Revenue Service to launch a nationwide awareness and stakeholder engagement campaign.

With the signing of these laws, Nigeria embarks on a new chapter in tax administration—one centered on accountability, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

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