Adedeji Clarifies 2025 Tax Reforms, Emphasises Fairness Over Higher Burden
The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Adedeji, has addressed concerns surrounding the 2025 tax laws, stressing that the reforms are intended to ensure fairness, eliminate duplication, and improve compliance rather than increase the tax burden on Nigerians.
Speaking during a recent public discussion with veteran journalists, Adedeji said the new laws are designed to harmonise all existing taxes across federal, state, and local government levels. According to him, this approach aims to prevent multiple taxation on the same economic activity and bring order to Nigeria’s complex tax system.
“The new tax laws harmonise all taxes in Nigeria. What we are doing is bringing order into the system so that people are not taxed multiple times for the same economic activity,” Adedeji explained.
He further emphasized that the Nigeria Revenue Service operates independently and professionally, with no political agenda. “The Nigeria Revenue Service is not a political revenue service. Our duty is professional, institutional, and strictly guided by the law,” he stated.
Addressing widespread fears that the reforms would result in higher taxes, Adedeji clarified that the objective is not to impose heavier financial obligations but to ensure that all citizens and businesses pay the right amount. “The new tax law is to tax right, not to tax more. It is about ensuring that everyone pays what is due—no more and no less,” he said.
On misconceptions linking the recent spike in airline ticket prices to the tax reforms, Adedeji dismissed any connection, attributing the increase to market dynamics and seasonal demand rather than taxation policies.
The NRS Chairman also stressed the importance of compliance under the new framework, noting that tax evasion would now be far more costly than adherence. “It is more expensive to evade tax than to comply. The system now has better tracking, improved enforcement, and clearer penalties,” he said.
Adedeji highlighted the long-term benefits of the reforms, explaining that enhanced tax compliance would enable the government to fund infrastructure, social services, and economic development without over-relying on borrowing. “A more efficient tax system strengthens our capacity to invest in critical areas that directly benefit citizens,” he added.
The NRS has rolled out a series of public engagements to improve understanding of the reforms, counter misinformation, and build trust with Nigerians. Adedeji encouraged taxpayers to see the 2025 laws as an opportunity to contribute to national development while benefiting from a fair and transparent system.
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