Writing By Bello Wakili; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, said colonial-era tax laws impoverished Nigerians through fragmentation, multiplicity, and inconsistencies, assuring that new reforms will deliver greater prosperity and inclusivity.
The President stated that the new tax system is designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly, aimed at advancing the nation’s development goals.
Tinubu made the remarks at the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters, attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers, private-sector leaders, and several state governors.
He explained that the new tax laws, which became fully operational in January, are intended to free the economy from outdated regulations and make it more globally competitive.
The President reaffirmed his inauguration pledge to address structural weaknesses, restore financial stability, and build an economy anchored on discipline, equity, and opportunity.
Tinubu commended the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for his performance and the successful completion of the headquarters, which will provide a conducive working environment for about 3,000 staff.
He expressed satisfaction that the project was completed within 30 months, more than two decades after its foundation was laid.
The President noted that the commissioning marks a milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework and rebuilding confidence in public institutions.
He said the reforms are designed to simplify the tax system, eliminate inefficiencies, and create a fair, transparent, and investment-friendly environment that rewards enterprise and supports growth.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the NRS has been repositioned as a modern revenue institution, driven by technology, research, and data, while remaining responsive to the needs of citizens, especially the vulnerable.
He urged the agency to uphold high standards by promoting accountability, fairness, and efficiency, while building public trust and credibility both locally and internationally.
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that ongoing economic reforms are already yielding positive results.
Similarly, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas commended the administration for introducing reforms that have streamlined Nigeria’s previously fragmented revenue system and improved efficiency.
In his remarks, NRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, described the commissioning as a major institutional milestone, highlighting significant improvements in revenue generation, fiscal governance, and investor confidence under the current administration.
