FIRS Collects N22.59tn In 9 Months, Expands Mandate

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a total tax collection of N22.59 trillion between January and September 2025, highlighting the agency’s solid performance under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

According to Dr. Adedeji, the service also achieved record-breaking cumulative collections of N47.39 trillion between October 2023 and September 2025, representing 115 percent of its revenue target — a milestone that reflects Nigeria’s steady fiscal recovery and diversification drive.

Speaking on the achievements, he described 2025 as a “year of remarkable transformation,” adding that non-oil revenue accounted for 76 percent of total collections, signaling progress in the nation’s shift away from oil dependence.

“We are building a modern, technology-driven, and service-oriented tax institution that supports Nigeria’s development goals,” Dr. Adedeji said. “Our focus remains on fairness, simplification, and digitalisation of tax processes for efficiency and transparency.”

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Strong Non-oil Growth and Revenue Mix

During the period under review, oil tax revenue amounted to N5.29 trillion, representing 98 percent of target, while non-oil taxes stood at N17.3 trillion, exceeding targets by 128 percent. Non-import VAT reached 137 percent of target, while import VAT achieved 131 percent, reflecting stronger compliance and the success of ongoing reforms.

Transformation to Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS)

Dr. Adedeji confirmed that, effective January 1, 2026, the FIRS will transition to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), expanding its mandate to include non-tax revenue collection from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

He explained that the transformation aligns with the government’s broader fiscal modernisation agenda, aimed at unifying revenue collection and strengthening transparency across all sectors.

Digital Reforms and Key Milestones

Highlighting the agency’s digital drive, Dr. Adedeji noted that 2025 witnessed the successful rollout of major technology reforms, including:

• The National Single Window Project, connecting ports, government agencies, and trade stakeholders to streamline import and export processes.
• The National e-Invoicing Solution (Merchant-Buyer Model), which enables real-time transaction monitoring and enhances revenue accuracy.
• The USSD Code (829#) launched in October 2024, allowing taxpayers to retrieve their Tax Identification Number (TIN), verify Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs), and access services directly via mobile phones.

Fairness and Stakeholder Engagement

Dr. Adedeji assured that recent tax laws would be implemented with fairness and simplicity, emphasizing a people-centred approach. He also disclosed that FIRS would host nationwide tax clinics to improve compliance and education among MSMEs, startups, and informal sector operators.

On international engagement, he said the Service had strengthened cooperation with global tax authorities — finalising mutual agreement processes with Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, and initiating new tax treaty negotiations with Saudi Arabia, India, and Morocco, among others.

Driving Sustainable Revenue Growth

Dr. Adedeji reiterated that the Service’s long-term strategy rests on three pillars:

• Developing inclusive tax policies that support national growth;
• Broadening the tax base to ensure equity and fairness; and
• Aligning Nigeria’s tax framework with international best practices.

He concluded: “Our goal is clear – to simplify tax, maximise revenue, and enable national development through transparency, innovation, and collaboration. FIRS will continue to be a pillar of fiscal stability and a partner in Nigeria’s growth story.”