- Laws Not Aimed at Opposition Figures
The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has said the new tax laws that came into force last week are designed to drive sustainable development and accelerate economic growth.
Speaking on national television yesterday, Adedeji said although tax reforms often attract political debate, the primary focus of the new framework is to stabilise the economy and build credible institutions capable of supporting long-term national development.
He dismissed concerns that the reforms could be deployed by the Federal Government to marginalise political opponents or target individuals based on partisan affiliation, insisting that the initiative is anchored on national interest and institutional accountability.
Adedeji also addressed fears that the tax regime could be weaponised through selective enforcement or politically motivated scrutiny of compliance records, describing such claims as unfounded.
According to him, the reform agenda is guided by transparency, due process and a deliberate effort to strengthen institutions rather than empower individuals or political interests.
Responding to questions on whether the reforms could be used to suppress opposition voices, Adedeji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing far-reaching fiscal reforms despite the political risks.
“We need to commend the courage of Mr President. Even with an election ahead, he has chosen the path of statesmanship, not politics,” he said.
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Adedeji noted that it would have been politically expedient to defer major fiscal and institutional reforms, but the administration opted to strengthen the country’s economic foundations and improve governance structures.
He explained that the tax reform agenda is aimed at addressing structural weaknesses, improving fairness and creating a simplified, predictable compliance environment that encourages voluntary participation rather than fear or coercion.
The NRS chairman said scepticism in some quarters reflects Nigeria’s historical experience with public institutions, stressing that the new framework is being structured to reduce discretion and ensure rule-based tax administration.
He disclosed that the service is institutionalising systems that promote automation, accountability and strong governance safeguards, ensuring that tax administration is driven by law rather than personal judgment or political influence.
Adedeji added that rebuilding trust between government and taxpayers is central to the reform process, noting that confidence grows when citizens are assured that tax policies are not shaped by partisan considerations.
He said the administration’s approach is focused on expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public finances sustainably and ensuring that taxpayers can clearly see the link between taxes paid and improved public services.
According to him, implementation of the reforms will proceed in structured phases, with the ultimate goal of creating a tax environment that supports investment, protects vulnerable groups and insulates tax administration from political interference.
