"Beyond the Name Change: Atoyebi Unveils the Benefits of the New Tax Law"

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Transition to Nigeria Revenue Service
• Legislation Overview
• Key Reforms
• Looking Ahead to 2026

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has stated that the transition from FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will signify a transformation in the nation's revenue management.

DAILY POST reports that Nigeria is poised to embark on a new chapter in its revenue administration, as FIRS will officially become NRS starting January 2026.

This change follows the signing of tax and revenue reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier this year.

The transition, approved through four significant pieces of legislation signed into law on June 26, 2025, is being referred to as a structural shift in how the country collects, manages, and accounts for public revenue.

Atoyebi emphasized that this initiative represents “a transformation in how the country manages revenue” and addresses long-standing public demands for transparency, accountability, and economic growth.

The laws encompass the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

Together, they establish the legal foundation for the new NRS, superseding the previous FIRS Act and redefining the scope of federal revenue administration.

Atoyebi highlighted that the reforms extend beyond mere rebranding, stating, “This is not simply about renaming the agency,” and pointed out that the NRS will now oversee “all federal government revenue, including taxes and various non-tax sources.”

The broadened mandate is anticipated to enhance coordination among government agencies and improve oversight of funds entering the Federation Account.

Under the new framework, the NRS will manage both tax and non-tax revenue, integrating its systems with those of other revenue-generating entities.

This, Atoyebi argued, would enable the government to “monitor what is collected, how it is collected, and where it goes,” a development she described as “the Nigeria we have all been advocating for.”

She noted that for taxpayers and businesses, the reforms promise a more efficient experience, stating that registration, filing, and payment processes are expected to be simplified, thereby reducing the necessity for in-person visits to multiple offices.

“Registration, filing, and payment will be straightforward,” Atoyebi said, adding that these changes will assist businesses in better planning and enhance service delivery to taxpayers.

She mentioned that the reforms also include measures to bolster data protection and confidentiality, a concern frequently raised by taxpayers.

According to her, “confidentiality is explicitly safeguarded,” instilling greater confidence among citizens that their information will remain secure.

“The laws also promote collaboration across government institutions to improve efficiency.

“As Nigeria approaches 2026, the transition from FIRS to NRS is broadly viewed as establishing the groundwork for a revenue system founded on trust and accountability.

“2026 is no longer just another year. It signifies the beginning of a revenue era based on trust, accountability, and progress for every Nigerian,” Atoyebi stated.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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