By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s proposed replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with a new National Revenue Service (NRS) will fundamentally reshape the country’s tax administration architecture, according to the FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji.
Speaking during a policy forum on revenue reforms, Adedeji said the transition to the NRS is designed to create a more efficient, technology-driven and transparent revenue system capable of meeting Nigeria’s fiscal needs.
He described the reform as a “total overhaul” aimed at eliminating structural bottlenecks, strengthening compliance and improving coordination among revenue-collecting bodies across the federation.
“The replacement of FIRS with the National Revenue Service will overhaul revenue administration in Nigeria,” Adedeji said. “This reform is not merely a change of name but a fundamental restructuring that will modernise our processes, enhance accountability and boost national revenue.”
Adedeji noted that the proposed NRS will harmonise key functions, reduce duplication, and adopt international best practices in tax collection and enforcement. He argued that Nigeria’s current system is outdated and incapable of supporting the government’s economic ambitions without significant reform.
He also emphasised that digital tools, data integration and performance-based evaluation will form the backbone of the new agency’s operations.
The move comes as the government intensifies efforts to increase non-oil revenue and reduce reliance on crude earnings, amid mounting fiscal pressures and growing public expectations for improved services.
While the proposal has attracted interest from economists and policymakers, it will require legislative approval before implementation.
