NRS Marks Reform Anniversary, Urges Enhanced Tax Compliance

Nigeria's National Revenue Service (NRS) has reiterated its dedication to boosting voluntary tax compliance, marking one year since the nation's significant tax reforms took effect. The agency emphasized that educating taxpayers is fundamental to establishing a robust and enduring revenue framework. This pledge was made during the inaugural 2026 National Tax Awareness Day, an event designed to review the progress achieved since President Bola Tinubu enacted the reforms in 2025.

A statement released by the NRS management on Sunday detailed that the nationwide initiative encompassed various activities focused on enhancing public knowledge of Nigeria's tax legislation, fostering voluntary adherence, and educating taxpayers. The occasion, themed "Tax Awareness for National Growth: Reform, Compliance and Shared Prosperity," saw participation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN)'s 49 District Societies, spanning all 36 states, the FCT, and even its international chapters in the United Kingdom and North America. It served as a gathering point for tax experts, government bodies, enterprises, academic institutions, community organizations, and the general populace.

The statement highlighted that this observance aligned with the first anniversary of the Tax Reform Acts, which President Tinubu assented to, characterizing these reforms as a pivotal move towards a tax administration system that is more transparent, effective, technologically advanced, and taxpayer-centric. Among the planned activities, CITN District Societies orchestrated a range of initiatives including tax awareness roadshows, market sensitization drives, media interactions, tax clinics, stakeholder dialogues, school competitions, and community outreach efforts, all designed to boost tax literacy and reinforce compliance nationwide.

A significant moment during the event was a courtesy visit by Innocent Ohagwa, the President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria Council, accompanied by members of its Governing Council, to the National Revenue Service headquarters in Abuja. Mohammed Abubakar, the Executive Director for Finance and Corporate Services, welcomed the delegation, acting on behalf of the NRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji.

The statement indicated that this meeting allowed both organizations to assess the advancements made since the tax reforms were put in place, and to reaffirm their shared dedication to educating taxpayers, encouraging voluntary compliance, and fostering national development. Representing Mr. Adedeji, Mr. Abubakar praised the CITN for establishing the National Tax Awareness Day and for mobilizing its various district societies across the country to promote tax education. Abubakar stated, “Tax awareness is the foundation of voluntary compliance, and voluntary compliance remains essential to building a sustainable tax system that supports national growth and shared prosperity.” He further explained that the current reforms aim to construct a tax administration system that is “trusted, transparent, technology-driven and responsive to the needs of taxpayers,” thereby simplifying and enhancing the convenience of compliance.

In his address, Ohagwa expressed gratitude to the NRS management for their ongoing partnership in advancing tax administration reforms throughout Nigeria. He remarked, “National Tax Awareness Day represents a coordinated nationwide effort to deepen tax awareness, strengthen taxpayer education and support the successful implementation of Nigeria’s tax reform agenda.” The CITN president also lauded the NRS for deploying technology-focused initiatives to enhance service delivery, specifically mentioning the recently unveiled Rev360 platform, which he characterized as a crucial move towards boosting efficiency, transparency, and improving the overall taxpayer experience.

The statement concluded by noting that the National Tax Awareness Day underscores the increasing collaboration among the NRS, CITN, and other key stakeholders in cultivating a more robust tax culture. It affirmed that both institutions are dedicated to continuous taxpayer engagement, elevated service standards, and voluntary compliance, recognizing these as vital catalysts for national growth and economic advancement.

It is recalled that in June 2025, President Bola Tinubu enacted four comprehensive tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Act and associated legislations, which collectively revamped long-standing tax laws and modernized the nation's tax framework. Earlier reports from The PUNCH indicated that the Nigeria Revenue Service has set an ambitious revenue goal of N40.7 trillion for 2026. This target relies on increased non-oil revenue, enhanced compliance, automation, and stricter enforcement to maintain its recent growth trajectory. This projected figure marks approximately a 44 percent increase from the N28.29 trillion collected in 2025 and is over six times the N6.4 trillion recorded in 2021, underscoring the Federal Government's drive to bolster domestic revenue and lessen its dependence on borrowing.