Tax Reform Success Measured by Better Experience for Taxpayers - Adedeji

The Chairman of the Joint Revenue Board and the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, said that the success of Nigeria's tax reform should be measured by better revenue collection, more compliance, improved taxpayer experience, and a stronger impact on national development.

Speaking at the 160th Joint Revenue Board meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, Dr Adedeji noted that there has been good progress in reforming the tax system. He was represented by Muhammad L Abubakar, Executive Director for Finance and Corporate Services at the Nigeria Revenue Service. Dr Adedeji pointed out that digitalisation, data integration, and better collaboration are important parts of the revenue system that have seen progress since the new tax rules were introduced.

Dr Adedeji described the theme of the 160th meeting, "One Year of Reform: Assessing Progress and Addressing Challenges,” as a chance for the Board to review what has happened in the past year. They need to fix gaps and face any challenges that come up.

During the meeting, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, shared that 18 State Houses of Assembly have accepted the model law on harmonised taxes and levies. This move aims to tackle the problem of overlapping taxes across Nigeria.

Mr Adesokan explained that the new law has cut down the more than 50 collection items previously managed by states and local governments to just nine. The model law also stops cash collections and roadblocks for collecting revenue. The Executive Secretary said this measure has significantly helped in harmonising taxes and levies at the subnational level.

Mr Adesokan addressed the belief that tax reform has raised taxes. He said the reform has actually reduced the tax burden on low-income earners, removed multiple nuisance taxes, and provided relief for low-income earners and small businesses.

He thanked Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for hosting the 160th meeting and for his ongoing support for the tax reform initiative. He also praised the governor for nominating Mr Jerry Adams, the outgoing Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, as his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

The Board, which oversees revenue administration in Nigeria, discussed the progress and challenges of the tax reform, one year after it began. They agreed it is important for revenue authorities to gather and share their experiences under the new revenue system and find solutions to any issues.

The meeting was held on Wednesday in Kaduna and was opened by Governor Senator Uba Sani. Governor Sani said the tax reform has opened more opportunities for raising funds for the country's development. He added that the real benefit of the reform is to build institutions that ensure the gains are maintained and that taxpayers have confidence.

"The goal of the reform should not just be to collect money. It should create a tax system where compliance is easier, enforcement is smarter, and voluntary compliance is the norm," he warned.

In his welcome address, Mr Jerry Adams, the outgoing Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, noted the teamwork between revenue authorities and other agencies in the tax system. He said this cooperation has been helpful in carrying out the tax reforms.

Mr Adams mentioned that tax compliance in Kaduna State has grown from about 35 percent to 65 percent in the last three years under Governor Sani. He credited this success to the increased trust taxpayers have in the governor, who has delivered many impactful projects in health, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.

The Joint Revenue Board consists of 38 revenue authorities in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Revenue Service, the 36 states, and the FCT Internal Revenue Services. It also includes the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Federal Road Safety Commission, National Identity Management Commission, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

The 160th meeting was the second one held by the Board in 2026.