Joint revenue board seeks states’ backing for new tax laws

The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, has called on state governments to harmonise their tax laws with the newly introduced national tax regime, stressing that cooperation at the subnational level is vital for the success of the country’s fiscal overhaul. Adesokan said, “While national laws provide direction, true transformation requires alignment […]

The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, has called on state governments to harmonise their tax laws with the newly introduced national tax regime, stressing that cooperation at the subnational level is vital for the success of the country’s fiscal overhaul.

Adesokan said, “While national laws provide direction, true transformation requires alignment at state and local levels, where a significant portion of tax administration occurs,” noting that the gains of the new tax structure would only be realised if states adopt and implement its foundational principles.

In a statement released on Wednesday, he described the ongoing reform as one of the most far-reaching fiscal restructuring efforts in Nigeria’s history.

The reforms are anchored on four major tax statutes enacted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration: the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act.

According to Adesokan, the new laws establish a consolidated legal and institutional structure designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax system and bring it in line with international best practices.

He emphasised that the objective of the reforms goes beyond boosting revenue.

“A sound tax system is not simply a revenue tool; it is a national development instrument,” Adesokan stated, explaining that the changes are intended to simplify regulations, eliminate multiple taxation, strengthen tax administration, and enhance fairness and transparency.

He added that the reform package includes provisions to ease the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, plug revenue leakages, improve compliance through technology, and reinforce accountability in collections.