FIRS deepens awareness on new tax reforms

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has recorded impressive turnout at the Abuja edition of its 2025 Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, designed to strengthen stakeholder engagement and public understanding of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws. The event, themed “Tax Clinic for Tax Clarity: Transitioning into NRS,” was held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army Conference […]

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has recorded impressive turnout at the Abuja edition of its 2025 Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, designed to strengthen stakeholder engagement and public understanding of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws.

The event, themed “Tax Clinic for Tax Clarity: Transitioning into NRS,” was held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Asokoro, drawing thousands of participants both physically and virtually through Zoom, YouTube, DSTV Channel 391, and Radio FM 100.3.

In his keynote address, FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to building a transparent and technology-driven tax system that fosters trust and simplifies compliance.

“This Tax Clinic is not just a program, it is a bridge between the government and the governed,” Adedeji said. “Our reforms are designed to simplify compliance, reduce bottlenecks, and build trust with taxpayers.”

The Tax Clinic provided a platform for interaction between taxpayers, government agencies, and professional bodies, offering practical guidance on registration, filing, dispute resolution, and incentives under the new tax administration framework.

Representatives from key institutions, including the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Joint Tax Board (JTB), Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), participated in the program. Professional bodies such as CITN, ICAN, ANAN, NBA, and NMA also supported the event through interactive service desks.

Speaking during a panel session, Mr. Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy to the FIRS Chairman, said the initiative reflects a new approach to taxpayer education.

“We are changing the narrative — from tax being seen as a burden to being understood as a shared responsibility for national growth,” he stated.

The Abuja edition also featured multilingual outreach in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, aimed at expanding grassroots awareness of the ongoing tax reforms.

The FIRS noted that the Tax Clinic aligns with the implementation of four new Tax Reform Acts — the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act — which seek to simplify processes and harmonize Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

The Service expressed appreciation to all partner agencies, professional associations, and taxpayers for their participation, reaffirming that the Tax Clinic will continue to serve as a platform for education, compliance support, and collaboration in Nigeria’s evolving tax environment.