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The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has rejected claims that the Federal Government’s tax reform programme could be used to target political opponents or marginalise individuals based on their affiliations, stressing that the reforms are anchored on national interest and institutional integrity.
Adedeji made this clarification during an interview on Arise Television, where he addressed concerns that the new tax framework could be weaponised through selective enforcement or politically motivated scrutiny of taxpayers.
He described such fears as misplaced, emphasising that the administration’s approach to tax reform is guided by transparency, due process, and a commitment to strengthening public institutions.
Responding to questions about whether the reforms could be used to suppress opposition voices, Adedeji said the focus should instead be on the resolve shown by President Bola Tinubu to pursue difficult but necessary reforms, even with elections on the horizon.
“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, not that of politicians,” he said.
According to him, the government could have chosen to postpone far-reaching fiscal and institutional reforms for political convenience, but opted instead to prioritise measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal base and improving economic governance.
Adedeji explained that the tax reform agenda is designed to address structural weaknesses in the existing system, promote fairness, and create a simpler and more predictable compliance environment that encourages voluntary participation rather than fear or coercion.
He acknowledged that scepticism around the reforms may be influenced by historical perceptions of public institutions, but said the new framework is deliberately structured to reduce discretion in tax administration and ensure rule-based processes.
The NRS, he said, is focused on institutionalising systems that promote accountability, automation, and strong governance safeguards, ensuring that tax administration is driven by law rather than individual discretion or political influence.
Adedeji added that building trust between government and taxpayers is central to the reform process, noting that confidence grows when citizens are assured that tax policies are free from partisan considerations.
He said the reforms are ultimately aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public finances sustainably, and creating a clear link between taxes paid and improvements in public services.
While acknowledging that tax reforms often attract political debate, Adedeji reiterated that the overriding objective remains economic stability and the development of credible institutions capable of supporting long-term national growth.
He added that implementation would continue in structured phases, with the goal of building a tax environment that supports investment, protects vulnerable groups, strengthens confidence in public administration, and insulates tax processes from political interference.
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