The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that Nigeria’s new tax laws will officially begin on January 1, 2026. This announcement was made by FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji during a press briefing on Thursday.
Adedeji explained that the six-month gap between now and January next year is to allow time for proper awareness and planning. He said, “It takes time for all the stakeholders, operators, and even the regulators to change the system. So, the effective date will be January 1, 2026 by the special grace of Almighty God.”
He added that starting the tax laws at the beginning of the year makes it easier to apply them fairly and smoothly throughout the government’s fiscal year.
This announcement came shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed four important tax reform bills into law. The signing took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was attended by key government leaders, including the National Assembly leadership, governors, ministers, and presidential aides.
The four new laws are: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. These bills were passed after careful talks with various groups and stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s tax system.
The reforms aim to make tax collection easier, more transparent, and more efficient, boosting government revenue to support national development.
Taxpayers and businesses are advised to prepare for these changes as the government begins its public sensitization efforts in the coming months.
