Nigerian Revenue Service Chairman Advocates Technology for New Tax Laws Implementation

Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), highlighted the significance of technology in the effective implementation of Nigeria's recently enacted tax laws during a lecture at the Federal Polytechnic Ayed Ogo Oluwa in Oyo State. Adedeji identified technological infrastructure gaps, limited technical skills, trust deficits, and resistance to change as key challenges facing Nigeria's tax administration system.

He emphasized that the new tax laws represent a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's fiscal framework spanning five decades, going beyond mere adjustments in tax rates to fundamentally redefine the authority and operations within the tax system. Adedeji stressed that a technology-driven tax regime requires a reliable taxpayer identification system, integrated institutional data, traceable transactions, automated processes, and scalable enforcement mechanisms to replace manual, paper-based systems.

The adoption of technology is expected to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, reduce opportunities for manipulation, broaden the tax base, and increase revenue sustainably. Prominent figures like Tajudeen Abba and Abdulfatai Buhari commended Adedeji for spearheading tax reforms, with Yakubu Datti praising his leadership in re-engineering Nigeria's tax architecture.

Rector Taofeek Adekunl Abdul Hame encouraged graduates to draw inspiration from Adedeji's journey, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning.