By Tony Ezike
The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) on Friday, December 12, 2025, hosted a landmark Tax Summit in Awka to discuss the implementation of the new Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025, which comes into effect on January 1, 2026. The summit, held at the Radisson Onyix Hotel, brought together government officials, tax experts, business leaders and professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).
Representing CITN President Mr. Innocent C. Ohagwa, FCTI, a delegate commended AIRS Executive Chairman Dr. Greg Ezeilo (Ezeugo Okenwa Okammuta) for his proactive leadership and commitment to early preparation for the major fiscal reforms. The CITN President described the 2025 Tax Acts as one of the most ambitious reforms in Nigeria’s recent history and assured that the Institute would continue to provide technical support, capacity building and guidance to ensure smooth implementation in Anambra State.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ezeilo highlighted the transformative nature of the NTA 2025, which harmonizes tax administration nationwide and ushers in structural changes, including the transition of FIRS into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Tax Board into the Joint Revenue Board (JRB). He noted that the new tax system promotes order, efficiency and cooperation across all levels of government, warning that the era of tax evasion and exploitation by non-state actors is drawing to a close.
Technical presentations led by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) experts examined key aspects of the Act, including compliance expectations, incentives, taxpayer rights and digital innovations meant to simplify processes and reduce leakages. Stakeholders praised AIRS for taking the lead in engaging the public ahead of the 2026 rollout, emphasizing that early awareness is critical for seamless compliance.
Government representatives reaffirmed Anambra’s readiness to adopt the reforms and highlighted the importance of modern tax systems for economic stability, investment growth and national competitiveness. Dr. Ezeilo stressed that while the new Act is firm on evasion, it remains progressive, fair and geared towards putting more money in the hands of citizens and businesses.
AIRS unveiled a roadmap that includes digital tools, capacity building, broad stakeholder consultations, state-wide sensitization and collaboration with CITN. The CITN President reiterated the Institute’s full support for states during the transition, urging tax practitioners to uphold professionalism in this new era.
The widely broadcasted summit has sparked conversations and widely described as a milestone for Anambra State, positioning it as a model for subnational tax administration ahead of the nationwide reforms. Its outcomes will guide upcoming engagements and shape Anambra’s strategy for implementing the NTA 2025.
