President Bola Tinubu has said that colonial-era tax laws left Nigerians poorer due to fragmentation, inconsistencies, and multiple overlapping systems, adding that ongoing reforms are designed to boost prosperity and inclusivity.
He explained that the new tax framework is people-focused and investment-friendly, aimed at advancing national development and strengthening economic competitiveness.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Headquarters. The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers, private-sector leaders, and governors from Kwara, Imo, Borno, Kogi, Plateau, and Anambra States.
The President noted that the tax reforms, fully operational since January, are intended to free the economy from outdated laws and position Nigeria for global competitiveness.
He recalled his inauguration pledge, saying it was a commitment to move Nigerians “from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope,” while tackling structural weaknesses and building an economy rooted in discipline, equity, and opportunity.
Tinubu praised the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, for his performance and for delivering the new headquarters, which he said provides modern facilities for about 3,000 staff, including a data centre, clinic, auditorium, training rooms, gym, and library.
He expressed satisfaction that the project was completed in 30 months, despite the foundation being laid over two decades ago.
According to him, the building commissioning represents more than infrastructure, but a milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal system and rebuilding trust in public institutions.
He said no country can achieve sustainable prosperity with a weak and fragmented revenue system, stressing that his administration’s tax and fiscal reforms were bold and necessary.
Tinubu also commended Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, for leading efforts to modernise outdated tax laws into simpler and more practical systems.
Addressing concerns over the reforms, the President assured that the NRS has been repositioned with stronger capacity, technology, and data-driven policies that prioritise inclusivity and protect vulnerable citizens.
He said the reforms aim to simplify taxation, remove distortions, and create a transparent, fair, and investment-friendly environment that rewards enterprise and supports growth.
Tinubu added that early results already show improved fiscal stability, stronger foreign reserves, a more efficient trade system, and growing investor confidence.
He described these gains as the outcome of deliberate policy choices and sustained reforms aimed at long-term national prosperity.
The President said the new headquarters symbolises professionalism, transparency, efficiency, and renewed institutional strength, urging staff to uphold the highest standards.
He charged the NRS leadership to ensure the agency not only collects revenue but also builds trust, promotes fairness, and demonstrates accountability.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also praised the reforms, noting that Nigeria’s previous tax system suffered from duplication, overlapping mandates, and weak coordination, which reduced efficiency and public confidence.
He said the current reforms have introduced coherence by aligning rules, institutions, and incentives into a unified framework.
