Tax Reform Kicks Off: Tinubu Signs Four Bills into Law
By Sholeye Ayodele, Lagos
26 June, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law four tax reform bills recently passed by the National Assembly. The signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, was attended by key figures, including the Senate President, House Speaker, some lawmakers, governors, ministers, and presidential aides.
The four enacted bills are: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. These legislations were passed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and interest groups across the country.
According to the presidency, the new tax laws are expected to bring about a significant transformation in tax administration, increase government revenue, improve the ease of doing business, and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, stated that the new tax regime would officially take effect on January 1, 2026.
“It takes time for all stakeholders — participants, operators, and regulators — to adapt to a new system,” Adedeji explained. “Thanks to the cooperation of the National Assembly, Mr. President has signed the bills, and the effective date is set for January 1, 2026. We now have six months for planning and public sensitization, especially since this aligns with the government’s fiscal calendar. This kind of change cannot be implemented through media announcements alone.”
The bills had initially drawn significant controversy and criticism, with concerns from several governors who argued that certain provisions might hinder their ability to pay salaries. However, both the Presidency and the National Assembly assured that wide consultations had been held and that those concerns had been adequately addressed.
