Nigeria Tax Reforms Spark Security Alert as NRS Warns Against Misinformation

The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has put the nation’s security agencies on high alert following reports of planned protests against Nigeria’s newly introduced tax reforms. The warning comes as social media and other platforms circulate misinformation, stirring public concern over the impact of the changes.

Speaking over the weekend during an interview with Arise Television, Dr. Adedeji urged Nigerians to critically examine the new tax laws instead of reacting to rumours. He emphasized that calls for mass action or suspension of the legislation were unfounded and unconstitutional, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to halt a law passed by the National Assembly.

“The only message I have for Nigerians is to focus on the data and understand how the tax reforms affect them personally,” Adedeji said. “People should avoid mass or mob action based on misinformation. The law is the law, and it is enforceable as passed by our lawmakers.”

Dr. Adedeji explained that the tax reform bills underwent more than six months of extensive consultations, including public hearings at the National Assembly, before their approval. While acknowledging public concerns, he stated that genuine grievances could only be addressed through proper legislative amendments, not protests. He also suggested that the planned demonstrations may be driven by individuals seeking to undermine the reforms rather than by the ordinary Nigerians the laws aim to protect.

The implementation of the harmonized tax system officially began on 1 January, coinciding with the unveiling of the Nigeria Revenue Service’s new corporate identity, formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Public reactions have been mixed, but the NRS remains firm on enforcing the reforms, assuring citizens that the system is designed to safeguard the interests of the broader population.

Source: The Sun