The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, reassured Nigerians on Tuesday that the proposed tax reform laws will not introduce new taxes or increase existing ones. Speaking before the Senate Committee on Finance, Adedeji explained that the reforms aim to streamline tax administration without adding to the tax burden on citizens.

During the interactive session, Adedeji emphasized that the primary goal of the reforms is to enhance the simplicity and efficiency of tax administration while eliminating the problem of multiple taxation. He clarified that the reforms are not designed to merge any agencies but to ensure better coordination and modernization within the system.

Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the reform bills, but Adedeji assured them that the changes would promote transparency, improve government savings, and broaden the tax base. He also noted that the current name of the FIRS does not fully reflect its role in collecting taxes such as the Value Added Tax (VAT), 85% of which is distributed to the states, with 15% going to the federal government.

The Senate is expected to reconvene with the FIRS for further discussions before a public hearing on the proposed reforms is held.