Zaccheus Adedeji declares tax systems automated, digital, data-driven
Elegbede Abiodun
The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has said that the successful implementation of the country’s historic tax reforms hinges entirely on a shift toward a digital-first environment.
While speaking on the theme ‘Harmonising Revenue Systems and Implementing New Tax Laws,’ organised by the FCT-Internal Revenue Service in Abuja on Monday, Adedeji emphasised that while the 2025 Tax Reform Acts—which took full effect on January 1, 2026—provide the legal framework for a fairer economy, they cannot function effectively through manual or paper-based processes. He noted that the transition to “tax intelligence” is the only way to meet Nigeria’s ambitious ₦40.71 trillion revenue target for 2026 without increasing tax rates for citizens.
Adedeji, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Olusegun Adesokan said, “The engagement is both timely and strategic, and it reflects the direction of Nigeria’s evolving fiscal landscape and our collective responsibility in delivering sustainable reform.”
He said the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms of President Bola Tinubu were aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s domestic revenue architecture.
Adedeji emphasised that effective implementation at the sub-national level would determine the ultimate success of the reforms.
“Their ultimate success, however, rests not merely on the legislative enactments, but on effective implementation, particularly at the sub-national level, where policy translates into real interaction with citizens and businesses,” he stated.
He stressed the need for policy coherence and inter-agency collaboration, warning that “Fragmented execution weakens reform, while coordinated implementation strengthens it.”
Highlighting the unique role of the FCT as the nation’s capital, he said it must exemplify “transparency and modern governance standards.”
The executive chairman warned that “Fragmented revenue systems, multiplicity of taxes, informal collection mechanisms, illegal roadblocks, and indiscriminate sale of stickers and emblems undermine compliance, raise the cost of doing business, and erode public confidence.”
According to him, “Such practices are inconsistent with the standards expected of a 21st-century capital city.”
He advocated for a coordinated framework among the FCT Administration, the FCT-IRS, and the Area Councils, noting that a clear delineation of functions, shared data systems, and uniform compliance protocols would eliminate duplication and improve the taxpayer experience.
Adedeji also underscored the importance of technology in modern tax administration.
“Modern tax systems are digital. They are data-driven and automated. Integrated taxpayer databases, electronic payment platforms, real-time reporting, and analytics-based compliance monitoring are no longer optional. They are foundational to effective fiscal governance,” he said.
He added that sustainable revenue growth was not about increasing charges but strengthening systems.
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, said harmonisation was aimed at improving efficiency, not usurping responsibilities.
“So when we say harmonisation, we are not trying to take over anyone’s responsibility. We are only saying we want to create a system that will ensure efficiency in revenue collection.
“At the end of the day, the revenue will still go where the constitution has provided, and everyone’s revenue will still be credited to them. We are simply saying that we want to have a unified online system for the collection of revenue in the FCT,” Ango explained.
Ango said the broader vision was to make the FCT more livable, noting that February marks 50 years since the territory was conceptualised in 1976.
“For us as a revenue authority, the real vision is to provide funding for the FCT so that you and I can have a city where there are good roads, hospitals, schools, bridges, and infrastructure that we can all use as citizens,” he said.
He acknowledged the infrastructural drive of the current administration.
On the domestication of national tax reforms, Ango said “Timelines would depend on the legislature.”
Responding to a question on revenue performance, Ango said targets were still being reviewed.
He assured stakeholders that issues of multiple taxation and duplication would soon be resolved.
“But all the issues around duplicity and multiplicity of taxes that we see within the FCT, I can tell you that in a very short time, those things will be resolved. One thing you can be sure of is that the FCT-IRS will be at the centre of that. It will drive this initiative and achieve it for all the residents of the FCT,” he said.
The Federal Government commenced enforcement of the new tax regime on January 1, 2026, with the introduction of four major laws: the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025.
