New Tax Laws Take Effect January 2026 — Adedeji

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has revealed that the four recently enacted tax reform bills will become operational starting January 1, 2026.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service will be renamed the National Revenue Service (NRS) under these reforms.

Speaking to State House Correspondents on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Adedeji outlined the rationale for the six-month implementation period.

The FIRS chief emphasised that systemic changes require adequate preparation time for all involved parties, including stakeholders, operators, and regulatory bodies.

“Based on best practices globally, because when you have this kind of change, it takes time for all the stakeholders, participant operators, and even the regulator to change the system,” Adedeji explained during his briefing.

“So, with the magnanimity of the National Assembly, Mr. President, the effective date will be January 1, 2026, by the special grace of Almighty God. We have six full months for both sensitisation and planning. This is also considering the fiscal year of the government, because when you have this kind of change, it’s not what you do in the media.”

Adedeji highlighted the strategic advantage of implementing reforms at the beginning of a fiscal year rather than mid-cycle.

“When you have this kind of change, it’s not what you do mid-year. Because if the application of the law is better, you start from the beginning of the year,” he stated.

“So effective dates, by God’s grace, will be the first of January 2026,” he concluded.

Dare Adekanmbi, Special Assistant to the FIRS Chairman, reinforced the decision’s practicality, noting that the January 2026 start date provides sufficient time for stakeholder preparation and compliance adjustments.

“This will give all stakeholders enough time to digest the contents of the new tax laws and adjust accordingly. More so, new laws cannot be imposed on taxpayers in the middle of the financial/fiscal year,” Adekanmbi stated.