Ex-Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Backs Nigeria’s Tax Reform Agenda

Former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun has publicly endorsed the Federal Government’s newly introduced tax reform framework, describing it as a necessary overhaul that could strengthen revenue generation and improve compliance across the Nigerian economy.

In a statement issued on Friday, January 2, 2026, Adeosun applauded the comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s tax laws, including the integration of digital systems linking taxpayer identification numbers, national identity numbers and banking verification numbers. She said these initiatives would enhance transparency, reduce loopholes and reduce avenues for tax evasion.

“If you are loved by everybody as a finance minister, chances are high that you didn’t challenge the system hard enough,” Adeosun said, underlining her belief that structural reform invariably attracts criticism but ultimately yields long-term economic benefits.

The reforms, which took effect on January 1, 2026, are anchored in four key pieces of legislation, the Nigeria Tax Act, Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act – all aimed at streamlining tax policy, improving collection systems, and broadening the nation’s tax base.

Adeosun highlighted the importance of modern data systems in strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, saying that more robust digital integration makes it significantly harder for entities, both individual and corporate, to escape their tax responsibilities.

“This is not about punitive measures,” she explained. “It’s about fairness; it’s about making sure everyone pays their fair share to support national development.”

Her endorsement arrives at a time when Nigeria continues efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond oil, improve investor confidence, and stabilise public finances.