Tinubu charges NRS to restore confidence, fairness in tax reforms implementation

Against the backdrop of public criticism of the ongoing tax reform policies, President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, charged the Nigeria Revenue Service NRS, to restore public confidence, trust and ensure fairness in the implementation of the nation’s tax system

Tinubu gave the charge, while inaugurating the 16-storey Head Office Complex of the NRS in Abuja.

President Tinubu said “No Government can demand trust from its citizens when taxation is opaque, inefficient, or unjust.”

The President, who commended Nigerians for enduring the pains of the economic reforms introduced by his administration, stated however, that no serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system.

He stated that the tax reform policies must be implemented to earn ” the confidence of Nigerians, home and abroad”

He therefore, charged the Nigeria Revenue Service to ensure that the policy ” must embody new ethos. It must not only collect revenue, it must build trust, it must ensure fairness, it must demonstrate that government can be accountable, efficient, responsive. It must become a model institution that earns confidence at home and respect abroad.

“We must thank the Nigerian people for enduring and persevering, for their resilience”

The President recalled that on his “inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we would move Nigerians from the darkness of uncertainty into the clear light of Renewed Hope.

“I committed that we would confront structural weaknesses, restore fairness, and build an economy anchored on discipline, equity, and opportunity. Today I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric”, he noted.

He described his inauguration day pledge as “contract with the Nigerian people”, adding that” We are not gathered here merely to commission a building. We are here to mark a milestone in our larger national journey.

” That is why this administration took the bold decision to embark on far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms. Reforms designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions, and create a fair, transparent, and investment-friendly environment. Our direction is clear.

“A revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth, and ensures that every contribution to the national cause is matched by value for the people.

Tinubu also described the early results as ” encouraging and Fantastic”, commended the NRS for the improved fiscal stability, stronger foreign reserves, a more efficient trade ecosystem, and increased investors’ confidence in Nigerian economic direction” adding that”These gains are not incidental.

“They are the product of deliberate policy, sustained effort, and a commitment to doing what is right for the long-term prosperity of our nation.

“It is within this context that we commission this Headquarters of Nigerian Revenue Service. The building is more than concrete and steel. It is a symbol of a new standard of professionalism, transparency, efficiency, and service.

“It reflects our resolve that institutions must rise to meet the demand of reforms and the expectations of the Nigerian people”, he added.

President Tinubu, while calling for a better future, said ” Let us hold that promise sincerely to the future.

“Let those who will come after us, politics apart, be ready to build on history that is greater than the vision of their forebearers “.

He noted that the completion of the building, at this moment, is not by chance, but a statement that Nigeria is no longer content with promises.

“We are delivering progress. History will not judge us by what we say, but by what we do, by the institutions we strengthen and the discipline we sustain. The work of national renewal demands consistency, courage, and collective resolve.

“Nigeria’s future will not be determined by chance. It will be determined by the choices we all make together. We have chosen reform.

“We have chosen discipline. We have chosen progress. We have chosen development, prosperity, and inclusiveness.”

The President assured that his administration will remain on course, steadfast and focused, “until the promise to Nigerians is matched by the performance of its institutions and the prosperity of its people.”