NIRS Chairperson Slams Tax Evaders Over Opposition to New Reforms
The debate over Nigeria’s fiscal future has reached a boiling point as the NIRS Chairperson Slams Tax Evaders, labeling them as unpatriotic elements hiding behind public criticism to frustrate essential national progress. In a high-stakes address delivered on January 6, 2026, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Internal Revenue Service took a firm stand against the wave of pushback currently trailing the government’s latest tax reform bills.
According to the revenue chief, the vocal opposition to these policies is not born out of genuine concern for the masses, but rather orchestrated by wealthy individuals and corporate entities who have long benefited from a porous tax system and are desperate to avoid their civic obligations.
The Chairperson provided a detailed defense of the four new tax bills currently before the National Assembly, emphasizing that the primary goal is to simplify the tax code and broaden the revenue base without placing an additional burden on the poor. The reforms seek to modernize the tax administration, transition the country toward a more equitable distribution of the tax load, and eliminate the multiplicity of taxes that has plagued small businesses for decades.
By streamlining these processes, the NIRS aims to create a more transparent environment where the government can fund critical infrastructure and social services without relying solely on volatile oil revenues or high interest loans.
Addressing the specific criticisms leveled at the reforms, the Chairperson argued that many of the narratives being circulated in the media are deliberately misleading. The official noted that those who have historically exploited loopholes to move funds out of the country or underreport earnings are the ones funding the current “disinformation campaign.”
The NIRS head maintained that a patriotic citizen should view tax payment as a contribution to the common good, rather than a penalty. The agency has reportedly gathered data showing that a significant percentage of the country’s highest earners pay little to no tax, a disparity that the new laws are specifically designed to correct through digital tracking and improved enforcement.
As the legislative process continues, the NIRS has vowed to remain undeterred by the pressure from special interest groups. The Chairperson reiterated that the “Renewed Hope” fiscal agenda requires a robust domestic revenue stream to succeed. Moving forward, the agency plans to increase its public sensitization efforts to help ordinary Nigerians understand that these reforms are meant to protect their interests by ensuring that the wealthy finally pay their fair share. With the battle lines drawn between the government and entrenched interests, the outcome of these tax bills will likely determine the trajectory of Nigeria’s economic sovereignty for the next decade.