CAN, Islamic groups in Akwa Ibom commend ongoing awareness campaigns for Nigeria’s new tax reforms

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and the Akwa Ibom State Council of Islamic Affairs have expressed satisfaction with the ongoing sensitisation campaigns on the New Tax Reforms organised by the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), describing the campaigns as a crucial step toward transparency and the effective implementation of the new laws, which are set to take full effect in January 2026.

Chairman CAN in the state, Bishop Chris Nyong, and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, who spoke on Tuesday during AKIRS’ engagement with religious leaders on the new tax laws and their implications for taxpayers, lauded the federal government for the tax reforms.

Other religious leaders who attended the conference held at the Revenue House in Uyo include the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Akwa Ibom Chapter, Bishop Emmanuel Etim, and the Imam of the University of Uyo Central Mosque as well as his counterpart in the Military Cantonment in Ibagwa, Abak.

They thanked AKIRS for the ongoing sensitization which, according to them, has prepared taxpayers for the imminent implementation. They also commended Governor Umo Eno for the transparent and judicious management of the state’s commonwealth.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of AKIRS, Sir Okon Okon, thanked the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his enormous support and directives in line with the ARISE Agenda and the widely celebrated growth and development in the state that have boosted tax by the citizenry.

Overviewing the need for the reforms and expected outcomes, Sir Okon observed that there was no need for anxiety over the tax reforms as it was deliberately designed to simplify the national tax system, check multiple taxation, and curtail the activities of non State actors and nuisance taxes.

He noted that the new reforms will bring far-reaching relief to Nigerians, boost economic activities, and drive growth and development across the country.

According to Okon, who is a Member of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the existing tax model which was rooted in colonial and archaic laws is characterised by fiscal imbalance, inconsistent tax framework across jurisdictions, and multiple tax identifiers that hindered compliance by individuals and corporate organisations.

He noted that the new reforms have produced four new Tax Acts designed to streamline and consolidate tax administration in the country, namely, the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) Establishment Act 2025, which replaces the Joint Tax Board (JTB); the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Establishment Act 2025, that replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025; and the Nigeria Tax Acts (NTA) 2025.

These, he noted, come with great relief for many Nigerians, including low-income-friendly thresholds, personal income tax exemptions for those earning below one million naira annually; promotion of efficient, unified, and tech-driven tax administration; while basic services and commodities such as food, education, health, rents, transport, etc, will attract zero percent VAT.

These measures, Okon posited, will ease pressure on individuals and households, while the introduction of a national Tax Identification Number (TIN) will boost compliance and catalyse economic planning at both national and subnational levels.

Throwing more light on other implications and impact of the new tax regime, Sir Okon, who is also a Fellow and Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), further listed other impact to sub-nationals and national governments to include improved IGR; more efficient revenue administration, seamless harmonization and collaboration with state systems and structures, removal of roadblocks for revenue collection and elimination of multiple taxation.

He added that the new regime will boost State’s fiscal position as VAT formula has been revised from 50 percent to 55 percent; strengthen revenue administration and professionalism; eliminate consumption tax, offer improved business environment, and create employment opportunities.

On the significance of the ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders and groups, the AKIRS boss said it was to tame anxiety, highlight the objectives of the reforms, dispel misconceptions, and help taxpayers see the benefits, as well as seek collaboration with critical stakeholders in disseminating the right message.

The engagement with religious groups is one in the series of sensitization held with other sectors, groups and investors in the State, including professional bodies, investors, and business associations as well as the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), among others, in preparation for new tax regime.