Tinubu pushes new tax reforms as fix for Nigeria’s fragmented revenue system

President Bola Tinubu has doubled down on his administration’s tax reforms, arguing that Nigeria’s old system was too weak, scattered, and inconsistent to support real economic growth.

Speaking on Tuesday at the commissioning of the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters in Abuja, Tinubu framed the reforms as part of a broader attempt to rebuild trust in government finances and reposition the economy.

According to him, Nigeria cannot achieve long-term prosperity with what he described as a “fragmented revenue system,” stressing that outdated tax laws had, over time, limited economic opportunity and worsened inefficiencies.

He tied the reforms back to his inauguration promises, saying they were designed to tackle structural weaknesses, improve fiscal discipline, and create a more stable economic environment for both businesses and citizens.

A system built for growth, not confusion

At the centre of the reforms is an attempt to simplify Nigeria’s tax structure, reducing duplication, eliminating inconsistencies, and making the system easier to navigate.

Tinubu described the new framework as “people-centred and investment-friendly,” adding that it is designed to reward enterprise while ensuring fairness and transparency in how taxes are collected and used.

He also praised Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the NRS, for leading the implementation and overseeing the completion of the new headquarters building.

Beyond policy, the president positioned the moment as symbolic, not just about commissioning a structure, but about strengthening the country’s fiscal foundation.

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Still, the bigger question remains whether these reforms will translate into real relief for Nigerians, especially as concerns persist around taxation, cost of living, and government accountability.

For now, the administration appears focused on selling a long-term vision: a cleaner tax system that can fund growth, attract investment, and, as Tinubu puts it, move Nigeria from uncertainty to stability.

Mubarak Bankole