President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) headquarters in Abuja, saying colonial era tax laws made Nigerians poor through fragmentation, multiplicity and inconsistencies.
He said the new tax reforms introduced by his administration would deliver greater prosperity and inclusivity, adding that the system is designed to be people-centred and investment-friendly.
Those present at the 16-storey NRS headquarters commissioning included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers, private sector leaders and several state governors.
Tinubu said the new tax laws, which became operational in January, are meant to free the economy from outdated laws and make it more competitive.
“On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we will move Nigerians from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. I committed to confronting structural weaknesses, restoring financial stability, and building an economy anchored in discipline, equity, and opportunity. Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric; they were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” the president said.
He added that the commissioning of the NRS headquarters marked progress in efforts to strengthen public institutions and improve revenue collection.
“We are not gathered here merely to commission an edifice. We are here to mark a milestone in a larger national journey: the deliberate strengthening of our fiscal foundation and rebuilding of confidence in public institutions. No serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system. No government can demand trust from its citizens when taxation is opaque, inefficient or unjust.
“That is why this administration took the bold decision to embark on far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms,’’ he said.
Tinubu commended the executive chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji for completing the project, which he said would provide office space and facilities for about 3,000 staff.
He also thanked the minister of state for finance Taiwo Oyedele for his role in reforming the tax system.
“The reforms are designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions and create a fair, transparent and investment-friendly environment. Our direction is clear: to have a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth, and ensures that every contribution to the national cause is matched by feasible value for the people.
“The early results are encouraging and fantastic. Mr Adedeji, thank you very much. We are witnessing improved fiscal stability, strength, stronger foreign reserves, a more efficient trade ecosystem and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction,’’ the president added.
“These gains are not incidental. They are the products of deliberate policy, sustained effort, and a commitment to doing what is right for the long-term prosperity of our nation. It is within this context that we commission the headquarters of the Nigerian Revenue Service.
“The building is more than concrete and steel. It is a symbol of a new standard of professionalism, transparency, efficiency and service. It reflects our resolve that institutions must rise to meet the demand of reforms and the expectations of the Nigerian people. We must thank all Nigerian people for enduring and persevering,’’ he said.
He urged the Nigeria Revenue Service to uphold high standards.
“It must not only collect revenue, but it must also build trust, ensure fairness, and demonstrate that government can be accountable, efficient, and responsible.
“It must become a model institution that earns confidence at home and respect abroad. Let the future be better than the past. Let’s make and keep that promise sincerely for the future. Let those who will come after us, politics apart, be ready to build on history that is greater than the achievements of their forbears,’’ he said.
Akpabio asked Nigerians to be patient with the administration, saying the reforms are already yielding results.
“Nobody has noticed that since we came on board, we have not had 3-5 km of vehicles lined up at fuel stations to buy petrol. There was a time that we were prepared to pay even N10,000 per litre for fuel, but they could not see the fuel. But today, there is no single fuel queue in Nigeria.
“Nobody is saying that because we encouraged and partnered with the private sector for the first time, we are now producing what we consume and consuming what we produce. We even go to the extent of sending it to other countries,’’ he said.
Abbas said the reforms have improved coordination in the revenue system.
“For many years, our revenue system struggled less from a lack of effort than from a lack of coherence. We operated multiple regimes, overlapping mandates and fragmented legal frameworks. The result was predictable—high effort, low yields, limited public confidence.
“What has come under your administration is not only the policy directive, but also the underlying logic of the system. The reforms have sought to align rules, institutions and incentives within a single framework,” he said.
In his remarks, Adedeji said the reforms have improved revenue generation and fiscal management.
“Five years ago, the total collection for Nigeria’s revenue was N6.8 trillion, and by 2025, we ended the year with N28.7 trillion.
“To put this in perspective, Mr President, in May 2023, when you assumed office, the total money available for the federation was N711 billion. By September 2025, it was N3.6 trillion, which is 400% above what we inherited, and you can see that from the commissioning you’ve done in the states. They allude to the fact that you’ve given them what no government in the history of Nigeria has given to them.
“Trade has been modernised through the recently launched National Single Window (NSW), reducing inefficiency and boosting revenue. Ten years ago, we tried to implement the National Single Window six times. In less than three years under your leadership, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, we launched the National Single Window on March 27th,” he said.
