President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has begun dismantling what he described as “archaic” and outdated tax structures.
He noted that long-standing fiscal laws inherited from the colonial era had contributed to poverty and economic stagnation.
He made the remarks yesterday during the commissioning of the new 16-storey headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Abuja, where he criticised the country’s previous tax system as fragmented, inconsistent, and burdensome to citizens and businesses.
Reaffirming his administration’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope vision, Tinubu said the transition to the new tax framework—fully operational since January—was a fulfilment of his campaign promise.
“On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we would move Nigerians from uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope,” he said.
“Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric; they were a covenant with the Nigerian people.”
He stressed that the reforms go beyond administrative adjustments, describing them as a deliberate attempt to rebuild the country’s fiscal foundation.
According to him, no government can earn public trust if its tax system remains opaque, inefficient, or unfair.
The commissioning also marked the completion of a project that had been in development for over 20 years but was delivered within 30 months under the current administration.
READ ALSO
The 16-storey facility is designed to accommodate about 3,000 staff and includes a modern data processing centre, training facilities, a library, as well as staff welfare amenities such as a clinic, gym, and auditorium.
Tinubu commended the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, describing his performance as “exceptional” in delivering the project.
He also praised the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, for helping simplify long-standing complex tax laws into a more coherent framework.
Amid ongoing public debate over tax policy, the President assured Nigerians that the reforms were designed to be people-centred and sensitive to vulnerable groups.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
He said early outcomes since the January rollout had already shown signs of progress, including improved fiscal stability, a more efficient trade environment, and growing investor confidence.
“Our direction is clear: to build a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth, and ensures that every contribution delivers value to the people,” he added.
The ceremony drew top political leaders and stakeholders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, alongside several state governors from Kwara, Imo, Borno, Kogi, Plateau, and Anambra.
The commissioning of the new headquarters is seen as a symbolic step in the administration’s broader push to modernise revenue administration and strengthen transparency within Nigeria’s economic system.
