FG, NRS Push Stronger Inter-Governmental Alliance To Meet ₦40tn Tax Revenue Target
The call was made during a national workshop on tax compliance held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where government officials, representatives of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), government-owned enterprises and sub-national authorities gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s fiscal system.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, described the ongoing tax reforms as a critical part of the Federal Government’s efforts to build a more sustainable, tax-driven economy and reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tolu Adegbie, the minister said the reforms are aimed at improving public finance management and creating a stable revenue system capable of supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education and security across the country.
He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and cooperation among all tiers of government, noting that effective taxation remains central to national development and economic stability.
According to him, successful implementation of the new tax framework would depend on stronger institutional partnerships, harmonised policies and improved information sharing among government agencies.
Also speaking, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, disclosed that the agency is targeting the generation of about ₦40 trillion in tax revenue this year to support allocations to the three levels of government.
Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Muhammad Abubakar, Adedeji described the target as ambitious, noting that stronger collaboration and improved compliance across government institutions would be essential to achieving it.
He explained that revenue mobilisation remains vital to funding development projects and sustaining government operations nationwide.
The NRS chairman added that recent monitoring and audit exercises conducted by the agency uncovered significant gaps in tax compliance among some states and public institutions, particularly in the deduction and remittance of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Withholding Tax (WHT).
He warned that such compliance gaps threaten fiscal fairness and weaken efforts to build a more efficient tax system.
As part of measures to encourage compliance, Adedeji announced plans by the agency to begin recognising the country’s most tax-compliant states from 2026.
Executive Director of the Government and Large Taxpayer Directorate at the NRS, Mrs. Amina Ado, said the workshop was organised to strengthen cooperation among institutions responsible for driving Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability.
She noted that the agency remains committed to simplifying tax processes through technology-driven and transparent remittance systems designed to encourage voluntary compliance rather than relying mainly on enforcement measures.
Participants at the workshop also emphasised the need for sustained policy coordination, improved transparency and stronger inter-governmental partnerships to support Nigeria’s revenue generation goals and broader economic reforms.
