The Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has said the agency’s rebranding reflects a deliberate strategy to modernize Nigeria’s tax administration.
Nigeria officially entered a new phase in tax management following the formal launch of the NRS, which replaced the FIRS as the country’s central tax authority.
According to Atoyebi, the development represents more than a change of name, describing it as a “defining moment in Nigeria’s fiscal history.” She noted that the NRS signals the adoption of a structured, technology-driven, and citizen-focused approach to tax administration.
The reform is anchored on a set of new laws aimed at simplifying and harmonizing tax processes across the country.
Central to the changes is the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, which replaces the former FIRS Act and expands the agency’s mandate and operational authority.
In addition, the Nigeria Tax Act consolidates several existing tax laws into a unified framework designed to reduce complexity and provide a clearer structure for taxpayers.
The Nigeria Tax Administration Act outlines procedures for tax assessment, collection, and enforcement, while the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act establishes mechanisms to strengthen cooperation among federal, state, and local tax authorities.
The new framework also introduces safeguards for taxpayers, including appeal mechanisms and the creation of a Tax Ombudsman.
Atoyebi explained that the reforms are intended to build a modern tax system characterized by clearer laws, improved coordination among government agencies, and stronger protections for citizens.
She stressed that the focus of the reform goes beyond a mere transition to a broader transformation of tax administration.
“Modernizing tax administration involves more than just ensuring compliance,” she said in an article published on Wednesday.
“It means developing better systems, leveraging digital tools, increasing transparency, and ensuring tax services are easy to access, fair, and reliable.”
She added that under the new structure, processes such as property registration are being streamlined, payment systems upgraded, and internal data management improved to eliminate duplication.
Atoyebi also noted that the reforms encourage closer collaboration between federal and state governments through improved information-sharing systems.
Technology, she said, will play a central role in the transformation. Existing digital initiatives are being expanded, including the introduction of electronic invoicing systems that allow real-time monitoring of transactions.
“This system improves transaction visibility, reduces human error, and makes our records more reliable,” she said.
According to her, the reforms also aim to promote a rules-based system rather than discretionary practices.
Atoyebi said particular attention is being given to small businesses and operators in the informal sector, who make up a large portion of Nigeria’s economy.
She noted that the new framework provides simplified compliance procedures and clearer guidance for lower-income earners.
“The goal is not to intimidate taxpayers but to engage them,” she said, adding that when tax compliance is simple and transparent, citizens are more likely to participate voluntarily.
She expressed optimism that the approach would expand tax participation without stifling entrepreneurship.
Atoyebi emphasized that trust remains central to the reform process, noting that a modern tax system must be transparent in its assessments, fair in enforcement, and accountable in its operations.
She added that the NRS seeks to reposition taxpayers not merely as revenue sources but as partners in the collective effort to build the nation’s economy.