Nigeria fiscal and tax reform initiatives

Nigeria has initiated efforts to reform its fiscal and tax systems. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, inaugurated a Technical Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms to review the implementation of recent legislation, including the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025.

The subcommittee is tasked with addressing complexities such as fragmented agencies and multiple taxes to reduce burdens on small businesses and low-income citizens. The review covers public financial management, debt, and transparency, utilizing stakeholder submissions to promote productivity.

In a related development, the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, emphasized that revenue growth must be supported by taxpayer confidence. Noting that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio was 8.2 percent in 2023—below the 16 percent average of 38 comparable African economies—Nwabueze argued that the system must be fair, transparent, and accountable. He also warned that the cumulative burden of multiple levies and fees increases the cost of doing business, suggesting that the long-term success of the 2025 Tax Acts depends on institutional trust and reducing illegitimate charges.