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Technology key to success of new tax laws, says NRS Chair, Adedeji
The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, on Wednesday, said the success or failure of the country’s newly enacted tax laws will depend largely on the effective deployment of technology.
He described digital infrastructure as the bedrock upon which the sweeping fiscal reforms must stand.
Adedeji spoke at the maiden convocation lecture of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, where he delivered a lecture titled: “The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges, Prospects, and Implications for National Development.”
He described the new tax laws as the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s fiscal legislation in nearly 50 years.
“This is not just a change in tax rates or definitions. It is a comprehensive restructuring of our tax administration framework. And that framework must now be powered by technology,” he said.
According to him, the laws were deliberately designed for a digital environment, presupposing reliable taxpayer identification systems, integrated institutional databases, traceable transactions, and automated compliance processes.
“The laws are built for a digital environment. They cannot function properly in a manual, fragmented, paper-based system. Without technology, the laws remain aspirational. With technology, they become operational,” Adedeji said.
He noted that technology would significantly reduce excessive human discretion in tax administration, which he said often breeds inconsistency, opacity, and mistrust.
“For too long, enforcement has been personality-driven. What technology does is to replace discretion with data, and opacity with transparency. It creates a system that is structured, predictable, and fair,” he said.
The NRS boss further described data as “the new infrastructure of modern tax systems,” stressing that credible and harmonised data would enable risk-based assessments rather than random audits.
“With accurate data, we can move from blanket enforcement to targeted compliance. That makes the system more efficient for government and less burdensome for taxpayers,” he added.
Adedeji, however, identified major obstacles to digital tax reform, including inadequate electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, skills shortages, cybersecurity risks, and institutional resistance to transparency.
“Technology does not operate in a vacuum. It requires power, connectivity, skilled manpower, and a culture that embraces accountability. These are real challenges we must confront,” he added.
Despite the hurdles, Adedeji maintained that a technology-driven tax system would expand the tax base without necessarily increasing rates, enhance revenue predictability, and strengthen investor confidence.
“If we get the technology right, we will not need to overburden citizens with higher rates. We will widen the net, improve compliance, and create a more sustainable revenue base,” the chairman explained.
Adedeji added that technology remains “the critical bridge between legislative intention and practical implementation,” stressing that sustainable national development depends on building a transparent, efficient, and digitally enabled revenue system.
Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed during his welcome address at the event
Earlier in his welcome address, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, thanked the NRS chief for honouring the institution despite his demanding schedule, describing him as “our own.”
He noted that the insights shared would be of immense benefit to the participants, both individually and collectively.
Dignitaries at the event included former Senator Ayo Adeseun; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation and Aerospace; traditional rulers; scholars; and other stakeholders.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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