AKIRS Deepens Statewide Sensitization on New Tax Reforms, Holds Fresh Engagement with Professional and Business Groups

 

By Asuquo Edem 

In what forms part of a series of ongoing engagements aimed at properly sensitizing citizens on Nigeria’s new tax reforms, the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) on Wednesday held another extensive interface with professional bodies and business associations in Uyo. The session, which took place at the ICT Conference Room of the Accountant-General’s Office, brought together representatives of key groups as preparations intensify for the commencement of the new tax regime on January 1, 2026.

The meeting drew participants from core professional bodies including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). Also present were associations of private schools owners, community pharmacists, private medical practitioners, and other business groups.

Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of AKIRS, Sir Okon Okon—who also serves on the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms—said the reforms would mark a turning point for the country’s tax system. He explained that the anxiety expressed by citizens was largely due to misinformation, noting that the reforms were designed to correct long-standing inconsistencies, curb the activities of non-state tax actors, and overhaul tax laws rooted in pre-colonial structures.

Okon listed four new tax Acts that make up the reform package: the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) Establishment Act 2025, which replaces the Joint Tax Board (JTB); the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Establishment Act 2025, which replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025; and the Nigeria Tax Acts (NTA) 2025. He said the reforms would introduce low-income-friendly thresholds, exempt those earning below ₦1 million annually (or less than ₦1.7 million monthly), and reduce PAYE for low-income earners.

The AKIRS boss added that the reforms would promote unified, tech-driven tax administration, expand exemptions on essential commodities such as food, education, health, rent and transport, and fully remove consumption tax. He also highlighted the introduction of the national Tax Identification Number (TIN) system, which is expected to ease compliance, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ultimately boost government revenue and job creation.

Speaking on the reforms’ implications for Akwa Ibom, Okon said the state stands to benefit significantly as its VAT share will rise from 50 to 55 percent. He stressed that the reforms would strengthen revenue administration, create a more professional tax environment, protect SMEs, and better target high-net-worth individuals.

He noted that the series of sensitization meetings across diverse groups was aimed at dispelling misconceptions and encouraging stakeholders to view the reforms as opportunities rather than threats. He also disclosed that the Revenue House has increased staff training, established implementation committees, and upgraded its digital infrastructure ahead of the January 2026 rollout.

Representing the Commissioner for Information, Permanent Secretary Akparawa James Edet praised the initiative, describing the reforms as a long-overdue overhaul of the country’s “archaic” tax framework. He commended President Tinubu for the political will behind the reforms and lauded AKIRS for its “trailblazing record” in national tax discourse.

Stakeholders who spoke at the event welcomed the reforms, commending the state government for not leaving citizens in the dark during the sensitization process.

The engagement was attended by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr. Uko Essien Udom, SAN, alongside leaders and representatives of various professional groups and associations.