Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) - formerly FIRS
The NRS is established under section 3 of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 as a successor body to the erstwhile Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). NRS is the central body responsible for tax administration in Nigeria. The change is driven by the need to recognise the fact that the NRS collects revenue for the Federation and not just the Federal Government. Its role is revenue mobilization, compliance enforcement, and implementation of tax laws.
Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT)
The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) is formally established under Part V and the Second Schedule to the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025 as a quasi-judicial dispute resolution body to adjudicate tax disputes and create an intermediate dispute-resolution mechanism between tax authorities and regular courts, balancing administrative efficiency with legal safeguards. Its decisions are appealable to the Federal High Court, preserving judicial hierarchy and constitutional oversight. Section 29 of JRBEA has expanded the jurisdiction of the Tax Appeal Tribunal to cover disputes arising from both federal and state tax laws.
Joint Revenue Board (JRB)
Joint Revenue Board is established under section 3 of the JRBEA as a coordinating body for revenue authorities at federal, state, and local levels, promoting cooperation and data sharing. It will consist of representatives from the Nigeria Revenue Service, States Internal Revenue Service, and other relevant bodies.
Federal Ministry of Finance
The Federal Ministry of Finance is the principal government institution responsible for the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s fiscal and financial policies. Under the 2025 tax reform framework, the Ministry provides policy oversight for tax administration, public finance management, and revenue mobilization across the Federation. It also supervises key revenue-generating agencies and drives coordination between fiscal policy and national economic objectives. The Ministry plays a central role in ensuring efficient management of public funds, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth and oversights the Office of the Tax Ombud.
State Internal Revenue Services (SIRS), including FCT-IRS)
The State Internal Revenue Services are established under the relevant state revenue laws and recognized under the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025 as the principal tax authorities at the state level. They are responsible for the assessment, collection, and administration of taxes and levies payable to state governments, including Personal Income Tax for individuals resident within their states. The 2025 tax reforms strengthen cooperation between State Internal Revenue Services, the Nigeria Revenue Service, and other revenue authorities through improved information sharing, harmonization, and coordinated tax administration.
Local Government Revenue Committees
Local Government Revenue Committees are established under applicable local government and revenue laws to coordinate and monitor revenue collection at the local government level. Under the 2025 tax reform framework and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025, they form part of the broader intergovernmental revenue administration structure designed to improve cooperation among federal, state, and local revenue authorities. Their responsibilities include identifying local revenue sources, supporting the collection of approved levies and rates, and promoting accountability and efficiency in local revenue administration.
Taxpayers (Individuals & Corporate Entities)
Taxpayers are at the centre of the Office of the Tax Ombud’s mandate. They initiate complaints and are the ultimate beneficiaries of fair, transparent, and accountable revenue administration.
Nigeria Customs Service
Oversees customs duties and trade taxes, with frequent disputes on valuation and charges.
Other Revenue Generating Agencies
Examples include:
- Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Security and Exchange Commission, Nigeria (SEC)
The regulator of Nigeria’s capital market, overseeing securities trading, investments, and market participants.
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
The government agency responsible for the registration and regulation of companies and businesses in Nigeria.
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
The authority responsible for maritime safety, shipping regulation, and maritime development in Nigeria.
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
The government body that manages and operates Nigeria’s seaports and port infrastructure.
Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)
The agency that protects the interests of cargo owners and regulates port economic activities.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Nigeria’s central monetary authority responsible for financial stability, currency issuance, and banking regulation.
Bankers Committee
A body comprising the Central Bank and commercial banks that coordinates banking industry policies and initiatives.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
The regulator of Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital communications sector.
Nigeria’s Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
The agency responsible for managing Nigeria’s air navigation services and airspace.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
The regulatory body that oversees the safety and quality of food, drugs, and related products.
Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)
The national body responsible for setting and enforcing standards for products and services.
Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
The agency responsible for managing and operating federal airports across Nigeria.
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
Nigeria’s state-owned oil corporation responsible for managing the country’s petroleum resources.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
The regulator responsible for aviation safety, oversight, and compliance in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA)
The agency responsible for regulating and managing oil and gas free zones in Nigeria.
Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA)
The body responsible for regulating and promoting export processing zones to support trade and industrial growth.
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
The regulatory authority overseeing broadcasting and media operations in Nigeria.
Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
The regulator responsible for midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
The authority responsible for regulating upstream petroleum exploration and production.
Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)
A government-owned corporation established to stabilize Nigeria’s financial system by managing non-performing loans from banks.
