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The Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), alongside professionals from financial institutions, has called on Nigerians to embrace the new tax law scheduled to take effect nationwide from January 1, 2026.
The appeal was made during a public seminar themed “The Nigeria New Tax Law,” organised by the Rivers State Mega Region Empowerment Group of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM). The event was held at the church’s South-South Region 1 Headquarters in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Speaking on “PAYE and Other Taxes in Rivers State,” RIRS official Godgift Ebelogu explained that the new tax framework is not designed to increase the financial burden on citizens, but rather to create a more people-friendly system, particularly for business owners.
Ebelogu advised residents and individuals conducting business in Rivers State to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN), describing it as essential for seamless transactions and compliance under the new regime. He further urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the law ahead of its implementation, warning that tax evasion would attract sanctions once the policy takes effect.
He also outlined some of the taxes applicable in Rivers State under the new framework, including property tax, marine tax, Economic Development Levy for companies, solid waste and sanitation charges, business premises tax, and poll betting tax.
Also speaking at the seminar, Mr Ike Ukwuoma, who addressed the topic of TIN and Nigerian tax laws, encouraged eligible taxpayers to fulfil their civic obligations. He, however, stressed that government must reciprocate by providing the infrastructure and public services for which taxes are collected.
In his remarks, the Mega Senior Regional Overseer of MFM, Olawole Dahunsi, urged participants to prepare for and embrace the new tax regime, noting that it would form a key part of the Federal Government’s fiscal policy framework from 2026.
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