By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a major policy shift aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework, the Federal Government has officially launched the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), replacing the long-standing Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The move comes following the enactment of the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2025, which takes effect from January 1, 2026.
The NRS was unveiled with a new logo and brand identity in Abuja, marking the beginning of what officials describe as a modern, digitized, and more efficient era of tax administration.
The agency is now empowered to assess, collect, and account for all revenues due to the Federal Government, effectively centralizing the country’s revenue collection system.
According to the federal authorities, the NRS will implement broad tax reforms, including the introduction of a Central Tax ID system and a digital invoicing platform, both aimed at simplifying compliance and eliminating multiple taxation.
The Executive Chairman of the now-defunct FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, noted that the transformation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic reform and revenue expansion.
“This is not just a name change. It’s a complete overhaul of how Nigeria manages its revenue,” he said.
Experts say the establishment of the NRS will improve transparency, broaden the tax base, and reduce leakages in government revenue.
The rebranding and restructuring also signal the start of a new fiscal year with tighter compliance standards, streamlined taxpayer identification, and enhanced use of technology in tax administration.
