‘NRS structured to avoid disruptions in revenue collection’

Nigeria’s tax administration has entered a new phase following the successful transition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the newly established Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). The change, according to Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of NRS, represents more than a rebranding exercise. It marks what she […]

Nigeria’s tax administration has entered a new phase following the successful transition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the newly established Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

The change, according to Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of NRS, represents more than a rebranding exercise. It marks what she described as “a defining moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s tax administration,” signalling a broader reform agenda focused on efficiency, fairness and national development.

Writing in a recent piece, Atoyebi noted that the transition was deliberately structured around continuity and stability to avoid disruptions in revenue collection.

“Existing systems, processes, and human capital have been carefully integrated into the new framework to ensure that revenue collection remains uninterrupted,” she said.

She explained that the transition phase prioritised harmonising operational structures, aligning staff roles with the NRS mandate and embedding service-oriented values across the organisation.

With these changes largely completed, NRS is now shifting attention from internal restructuring to performance delivery.

“Now that NRS staff, management, and leadership are fully settled and ready to serve, the emphasis shifts to implementation and performance,” Atoyebi stated, adding that operational efficiency, improved compliance mechanisms and stronger stakeholder engagement would define the next phase.

A central pillar of the reform is the use of technology to modernise tax administration. According to Atoyebi, digital platforms will play a critical role in streamlining tax registration, filing, payments and dispute resolution.

Automation and data analytics are expected to reduce leakages, enhance accuracy and support risk-based compliance strategies.

“By leveraging technology, NRS aims to reduce human bottlenecks, improve turnaround times, and provide real-time services that meet global best practices in revenue administration,” she said.

The new Service is also placing emphasis on easing the burden of taxation for ordinary Nigerians, particularly low-income earners, small businesses and those operating in the informal sector.

Simplified tax regimes, clearer guidance and accessible digital tools are expected to encourage voluntary compliance while expanding the tax base.

Atoyebi stressed that taxation must be balanced with fairness, stating that NRS is committed to “taxing profits, not survival; taxing growth, not struggle,” while ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

She described taxation as a shared responsibility between citizens and government, noting that when taxpayers are treated fairly and revenue is managed responsibly, the benefits extend across society.

“The emergence of NRS marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s revenue administration,” she wrote, adding that with the right mix of leadership, technology and public trust, the Service has an opportunity to redefine how taxes are collected and perceived in Nigeria.