Tinubu: New Tax Reforms to End Poverty Legacy, Drive Prosperity as NRS Headquarters Opens
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s old, colonial-era tax laws contributed to widespread poverty, assuring that the newly implemented tax reforms will unlock opportunities, boost investment, and promote inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters, Tinubu said the outdated tax system was plagued by fragmentation, multiplicity, and inconsistencies that weakened the nation’s fiscal structure.
According to the President, the reformed tax regime, which became fully operational in January, is designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly, with the goal of making Nigeria more globally competitive.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic transformation, noting that the reforms are part of broader efforts to address structural weaknesses, restore financial stability, and build an economy grounded in discipline, equity, and opportunity.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, alongside ministers, lawmakers, and several state governors.
Tinubu described the commissioning of the NRS headquarters as more than just unveiling a building, calling it a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal foundation and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
He commended the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, for overseeing the completion of the project within 30 months, decades after it was first conceived. The facility is expected to accommodate about 3,000 staff and includes modern amenities such as a data processing centre, training facilities, and a clinic.
Highlighting early gains from the reforms, the President said Nigeria is already experiencing improved fiscal stability, stronger foreign reserves, a more efficient trade system, and increased investor confidence.
He assured Nigerians that the reforms are structured to simplify taxation, eliminate inefficiencies, and create a transparent system that rewards enterprise while protecting vulnerable citizens.
In his remarks, Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain patient, stating that economic reforms under the current administration are beginning to yield tangible results, including the disappearance of long fuel queues across the country.
Speaker Abbas also praised the reforms, noting that they have addressed longstanding issues of overlapping mandates and fragmented legal frameworks within Nigeria’s revenue system.
Earlier, Adedeji described the new headquarters as a milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s fiscal architecture. He revealed that over 60 fragmented tax laws have been harmonised into a coherent framework aimed at improving compliance, predictability, and efficiency.
He added that Nigeria’s revenue collection grew significantly from N6.8 trillion five years ago to N28.7 trillion in 2025, attributing the increase to improved systems rather than higher tax burdens.
The NRS boss further noted that fiscal governance reforms have strengthened transparency, boosted remittances, and enhanced control over public finances, while initiatives such as the National Single Window have modernised trade and increased revenue generation.
The commissioning ceremony also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, including representatives of the construction firm that delivered the project, who praised the administration’s economic direction and commitment to infrastructure development.
