President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Thursday signed into law four tax reform bills that sparked widespread debate following their introduction earlier this year.
The bills—initially met with public skepticism over fears of increased tax burdens and centralization of fiscal authority—were formally enacted at a ceremony held Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The four bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. These legislations, now law, aim to consolidate Nigeria’s tax laws, simplify compliance, and improve revenue coordination across all tiers of government.
While the government framed the reforms as a crucial step toward economic stability, many civil society groups, tax experts, and opposition lawmakers had previously expressed concerns over the rushed legislative process and perceived lack of stakeholder consultation. The debate intensified when critics alleged that some of the bills—particularly the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill—could erode state autonomy over internally generated revenue and concentrate too much fiscal power in federal hands.
Protests and public commentaries trailed the National Assembly’s swift passage of the bills earlier in June. Analysts warned that without safeguards, the reforms could lead to overlapping responsibilities and increased compliance burdens on businesses and citizens.
Despite these concerns, the bills sailed through both chambers of the National Assembly, supported by the majority leadership and backed by President Tinubu’s economic team.
At Thursday’s signing, Tinubu was joined by top-ranking officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara) and Hope Uzodimma (Imo), among others.
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Speaking at the event, Tinubu defended the reforms as necessary to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and restore fairness in the tax system. “For too long, our tax system has been a patchwork — complex, inequitable, and burdensome. It has weighed down the vulnerable and shielded inefficiency. That era ends today,” he declared.
The new Nigeria Tax Bill consolidates multiple tax statutes into a unified legal framework, simplifying the obligations of businesses and individuals. The Tax Administration Bill provides a harmonized structure for tax collection across federal, state, and local governments.
Perhaps the most debated, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill repeals the FIRS Act and establishes a new performance-driven Nigeria Revenue Service with broader authority, including over non-tax revenue. The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill creates a national governance framework for coordinated tax enforcement and dispute resolution.
In a post on his verified X account, @officialABAT, Tinubu said:
“These reforms go beyond tax codes. They offer the first major pro-people tax relief in decades. We’re laying a foundation for a modern system that rewards productivity, protects the vulnerable, and fosters enterprise.”
Though still controversial, the government argues that the reforms will boost investor confidence, improve revenue collection, and support long-term macroeconomic growth.
Whether the new laws can deliver on these promises amid Nigeria’s complex federal structure remains to be seen.
NAN
