Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), has allayed fears that the new tax reform framework could be weaponised by the Federal Government to target political opponents or individuals based on affiliation.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji
Adedeji, responding to concerns over potential selective enforcement or politically motivated tax scrutiny, insisted the reforms prioritise national interest, transparency, due process, and institutional accountability.
Addressing speculations on suppressing opposition voices ahead of elections, he said: “I think the question you will ask is that we need to commend the courage of Mr. President, that despite the fact that there is an election coming, he is courageous enough to continue on this path of statesmanship and not of politicians.”
The NRS boss explained that it would have been politically expedient to shelve the reforms during an election cycle, but President Bola Tinubu opted to strengthen the country’s fiscal foundation and economic governance.
He outlined that the agenda targets structural tax system weaknesses, enhances fairness, and fosters a simplified, predictable compliance environment to boost voluntary participation over coercion.
Adedeji attributed public scepticism to Nigeria’s history of perceived institutional misuse, but stressed the new framework minimises administrative discretion through rule-based processes, automation, accountability, and governance safeguards insulated from political influence.
According to him, the reforms emphasise taxpayer trust, linking taxes to visible public service improvements while expanding growth opportunities and sustainable public finances.
He reaffirmed the focus on economic stability, credible institutions, phased implementation, investment support, vulnerable group protection, and freedom from partisan interference.
