ABUJA, Nigeria — The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has announced that the newly signed tax reform laws will officially take effect from Thursday, January 1, 2026, allowing for a six-month period of public sensitisation and administrative preparation.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following the ceremonial signing of the tax bills by President Bola Tinubu, Adedeji said the delayed commencement was intended to give room for a smooth transition and accommodate the government’s fiscal calendar.
“It takes time for all the stakeholders, participants, operators, and even the regulator, to change the system,” Adedeji explained.
“So, with the magnanimity of the National Assembly, Mister President, the effective date will be January 1, 2026, by the special grace of Almighty God. So, we have a full six months for both sensitisation planning and also considering the fiscal year of the government.”
He added that implementing the laws from the start of the fiscal year ensures clearer compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
“When you have this kind of change, it’s not what you do in the media. The application of law is better used from the beginning of the year.”
The four tax reform bills — the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill — were recently passed by the National Assembly following wide consultations with economic stakeholders, industry leaders, and civil society.
President Tinubu assented to the bills during a brief signing ceremony held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The event was attended by National Assembly leadership, governors, ministers, and senior aides to the President.
The reforms are part of the administration’s broader agenda to modernise Nigeria’s tax system, improve transparency, and increase revenue generation without introducing excessive burdens on individuals and businesses.
The laws are also expected to address overlaps between federal and subnational tax authorities and streamline tax administration across the country.
Details of the sensitisation campaign, which will span the remainder of 2025, are expected to be released by FIRS in the coming weeks.
