The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, reassured Nigerians on Tuesday that the proposed tax reform laws will not introduce new taxes or raise existing ones.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on Finance, Adedeji emphasized that the reforms aim to simplify and enhance tax administration, eliminate the issue of multiple taxes, and improve efficiency—without merging any government agencies.
During the interactive session, which focused on the FIRS’s plans for implementing the reforms, some lawmakers expressed concerns about the proposed bills. However, Adedeji clarified that the agency’s name does not fully reflect the scope of its services, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT), of which 85% is allocated to the states and 15% to the Federal Government.
He explained that the reforms are designed to modernize tax laws, increase efficiency, promote transparency, and broaden Nigeria’s tax base. The goal is to streamline the system, improve government savings, and enhance collaboration between agencies involved in revenue collection.
The Senate plans to hold another meeting with the FIRS before a scheduled public hearing on the matter.