Nigeria Tax Laws Begin as FIRS Becomes NRS

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has formally completed its transition into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), a newly created national revenue authority.

The changeover was accompanied by the unveiling of a new corporate logo, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the chairman of the NRS, Dare Adekanmbi.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the rebranding marks an important milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s revenue administration system.

Adedeji explained that the new identity underscores a renewed resolve to build a more unified, efficient and service-driven revenue framework aligned with Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and international best practices.

He added that the transition represents continuity of purpose, enhanced institutional capacity and a forward-looking strategy aimed at better supporting taxpayers and promoting national development.

According to the statement, the NRS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration and service excellence.

“The unveiling of this new identity represents not an end, but the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the revenue authority and the Nigerian public—built on trust, clarity, and shared prosperity,” the statement reads.

Adekanmbi noted that the service became operational following the signing of its enabling legislation — the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 — by President Bola Tinubu in June.

Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated that the rollout of the new tax laws would proceed as scheduled on January 1, despite criticism from opposition figures and pressure groups.

In a statement, Tinubu said the tax reforms were not intended to impose higher taxes, but to enable a structural overhaul, promote harmonisation and uphold dignity while reinforcing the social contract.

“The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned,” the president said on Tuesday.

“These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.”

He appealed for the cooperation of Nigerians as the tax laws are set to take effect in the coming days.