The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has announced that tax collections for the first nine months of 2025 reached N22.59 trillion, with non-oil revenue making up the vast majority of the total.
Dr. Adedeji revealed that a record N47.39 trillion was collected in the two-year period from October 2023 to September 2025, a figure that represents 115 per cent of the service’s target. He described 2025 as a period of “remarkable achievements and transformation,” attributing the success to strategic reforms and a significant shift in the nation’s revenue base.
The detailed breakdown showed that non-oil taxes were the primary driver of this growth, contributing N17.3 trillion, or 76 per cent, of the total N22.59 trillion collected between January and September 2025. This amount surpassed its target by 128 per cent. In contrast, revenue from the oil sector stood at N5.29 trillion, which was 98 per cent of its target for the same period.
“This reflects diversification and reform success,” Dr. Adedeji stated, highlighting that the economy’s reliance on oil continues to diminish in favour of more stable and diversified revenue streams. Specific non-oil revenue streams performed exceptionally well, with non-import Value Added Tax (VAT) achieving 137 per cent of its target and import VAT reaching 131 per cent.
Looking forward, Dr. Adedeji confirmed the planned transformation of the FIRS into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), effective 1 January 2026. This change will mark a significant expansion of the agency’s mandate, granting it the authority to collect non-tax revenues currently handled by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“Building on the foundations laid during my first year in office, the service has continued to strengthen the country’s tax administration through strategic reforms, technological innovation, and enhanced operational efficiency,” he said.
He added that the service not only met its revenue targets but also advanced several landmark initiatives that are reshaping the nation’s fiscal landscape.
A major part of this transformation has been the passage of key tax reform laws. Dr. Adedeji clarified that the recent reforms are built on principles of fairness, competitiveness, and simplification. He assured taxpayers of the fair implementation of these new laws, vowing that the service would “meet and surpass government revenue targets.”
The FIRS chairman also detailed the technological advancements underpinning this improved efficiency. He highlighted the significant progress of the National Single Window Project, a digital platform designed to connect ports, government agencies, and trade stakeholders to streamline import and export processes.
Furthermore, he pointed to the full implementation of the National e-Invoicing Solution, which enhances transparency and real-time monitoring of business transactions. To improve accessibility, the service launched the *829# USSD code in October 2024, allowing taxpayers to retrieve their Tax Identification Number, verify documents, and make enquiries directly from their mobile phones.
Dr. Adedeji also emphasised the service’s commitment to international cooperation and taxpayer education. The FIRS has concluded mutual agreement processes with several countries, including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, and has advanced treaty negotiations with others like Saudi Arabia and India. Domestically, he announced plans to host tax clinics across the country to improve compliance among small businesses and informal sector operators.
“FIRS has in 2025, continued its transformation into a modern, technology-driven, and service-oriented institution,” Dr. Adedeji stated. He reiterated the service’s commitment to “simplifying tax, maximising revenue, and enabling national development through transparency, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration.”
The continued strength of non-oil revenues and the impending transition to the NRS signal a profound and lasting shift in how Nigeria funds its government and development.
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