NRS Chairman Urges Nigerians to Ignore Misinformation on New Tax Reforms

 NRS Chairman Urges Nigerians to Ignore Misinformation on New Tax Reforms

Abuja – 

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has called on Nigerians to disregard what he described as misleading claims and misinformation surrounding the newly implemented tax reforms that took effect on January 1, 2026.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on January 4, 2026, Adedeji addressed growing public concerns, insisting that the reforms are not designed to burden ordinary Nigerians, but rather to protect the poor and strengthen Nigeria’s tax administration framework.

“The Poor Are the Main Beneficiaries”

According to Adedeji, the reforms contain extensive exemptions that ensure low-income Nigerians are largely shielded from taxation.

“More than 95 percent of poor and vulnerable Nigerians are exempted,” he said, explaining that basic food items, transportation, and essential services remain VAT-free.

He stressed that the intention of the reforms is to ease economic pressure on citizens, not to introduce new financial hardships.

No Monitoring of Personal Bank Accounts

Responding to widespread rumors on social media, the NRS Chairman firmly dismissed claims that tax authorities would begin monitoring personal bank accounts or tracking individual transactions.

“No tax authority—state or federal—will pry into your bank account,” Adedeji stated.

He clarified that the law does not permit access to personal banking details, nor does it authorize:

Monitoring of bank transfers

Automatic deductions from accounts

Taxation based on transaction narrations

Taxation, he explained, remains limited to income, profit, returns, and consumption, such as VAT on applicable goods and services.

Political Motives Behind the Criticism

Adedeji attributed much of the backlash to political agendas, tax evaders, and individuals spreading false narratives to undermine the reforms. He warned that misinformation could provoke unnecessary unrest and said security agencies have been alerted to potential protests driven by false claims rather than legitimate grievances.

Overview of the Tax Reform Laws

The reforms are anchored on four major tax legislations signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, all of which became operational in January 2026:

Nigeria Tax Act

Nigeria Tax Administration Act

Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act – which rebranded FIRS to NRS

Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act

The laws aim to:

Harmonize Nigeria’s fragmented tax system

Reduce multiple taxation

Improve compliance and transparency

Promote fairness and economic growth

While some civil society groups and opposition figures have raised concerns over the pace of implementation and alleged post-passage amendments, government officials have dismissed such claims as unfounded.

Call for Public Understanding

Adedeji urged Nigerians to study the tax laws directly rather than rely on social media commentary, reiterating that the reforms are meant to build a more efficient, transparent, and equitable tax system without overburdening vulnerable citizens.

The situation remains fluid, with government officials calling for dialogue and public education as discussions around the reforms continue nationwide.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, TheCable, Leadership, Daily Post Nigeria (January 4–5, 2026)