By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has launched a stakeholders’ sensitization programme in Lokoja to prepare taxpayers and institutions for the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, scheduled to take effect nationwide in January 2026. The engagement aims to deepen understanding of the new tax framework and support the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reform drive.The event, held on Tuesday at Government House in Lokoja, brought together tax administrators, government officials, and business representatives. In his remarks, the Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, said the initiative was designed to provide clarity on the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and ensure smooth compliance when the law comes into force next year.According to Enehe, the Act consolidates multiple tax administration laws into a single legal framework to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and eliminate overlapping responsibilities. He explained that the harmonization was necessary to address challenges such as double taxation and duplication of tax collection, which had previously hindered effective administration.
Enehe emphasized that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s comprehensive tax reform policy aimed at strengthening revenue generation and stabilizing the nation’s economy. He urged taxable citizens, businesses, and other relevant stakeholders to embrace the new law and cooperate fully with tax authorities to ensure successful implementation.“The new Act removes ambiguity, streamlines tax procedures, and establishes a more transparent and predictable system for both the government and taxpayers,” he said. “We encourage all stakeholders to study the provisions carefully and support the reforms, which are vital for improving Nigeria’s economic outlook.”
Also speaking at the forum, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Revenue Generation, Dr. Nasir Rahman Ichanyi, commended KGIRS for organizing what he described as a timely and proactive engagement. He noted that the sensitization provided a platform for robust dialogue and collaboration among tax professionals and service users.Dr. Ichanyi stated that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 marks a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s tax infrastructure. He reaffirmed the Kogi State Government’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda, stressing that effective implementation of the Act would boost economic development and enhance fiscal stability.“ This engagement is essential in ensuring that all stakeholders understand their roles and obligations under the new law,” he said. “Kogi State will continue to back initiatives that improve tax compliance and strengthen the state’s revenue base.” Participants at the stakeholder forum expressed optimism that the new tax regime, if properly implemented, would simplify compliance processes and create a more business-friendly environment. KGIRS officials assured attendees that additional sensitization activities would be conducted across the state before the Act takes effect.
