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Status Brief: Proposed Tax Reform Policies

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2024

By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi

The economy is changing, and we can all see that. With President Bola Tinubu in charge and Dr. Zacch Adedeji leading the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria is stepping into an era that promises to reshape its tax administration.

This moment is important, as it represents a break from the past, a past where the tax system often felt like an obstacle rather than a growth. For decades, we can say that Nigeria’s tax system has been criticized for being cumbersome, complex, and filled with inefficiencies. But now, with the recent introduction and endorsement of the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill by President Tinubu, there’s a sense of hope. People are starting to envision a tax system that works for them, one that supports not just businesses but also the citizen.

Historically, Nigeria’s tax system has been unorganized, with corporate income tax, personal income tax, value-added tax, capital gains tax, and others governed by different laws, creating confusion and inefficiencies. At the same time, the outdated framework failed to account for Nigeria’s growing digital economy, leaving new sectors such as fintech and e-commerce largely outside the tax net. Now, with these new tax laws, Nigeria is embracing a simpler, more unified system that aims to reflect modern realities.

The proposed tax laws are designed to enhance the existing tax framework without introducing new burdens. The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 aims to simplify the current taxation sector by merging various taxes into a more cohesive system. Instead of raising taxes or adding new ones, the government focuses on making tax obligations easier to understand and navigate. Tax types like corporate income tax (CIT), personal income tax (PIT), value-added tax (VAT), and capital gains tax (CGT) will now be managed under one structure. For many Nigerians, this new clarity could make it easier for them to manage their finances, giving them a sense of confidence as they meet their tax obligations.

The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 aims to make the tax system simpler and introduce new categories for businesses. Small companies with annual earnings of less than N50 million will not have to pay any corporate income tax. Larger companies will benefit from a gradual reduction in their corporate income tax rate, dropping from 27.5% in 2025 to 25% by 2026. This change will provide companies with more room to manage their finances, helping them to grow and invest more effectively.

The proposed reforms highlight the government’s dedication to protecting taxpayers. By establishing the Joint Revenue Board and introducing a Tax Ombudsman, the government is taking a modern approach to tax management. These measures will give taxpayers a way to express their concerns and get help when needed, which encourages accountability and transparency. Nigerians need to trust that their tax money is being used fairly and responsibly. With these changes, the government aims not only to make tax processes easier but also to build a system where tax authorities are responsible for their actions, enhancing public confidence in the tax system.

For the first time, Nigeria’s tax laws will be structured in a way that makes it easier for taxpayers to understand their obligations, reducing opportunities for corruption and creating a fairer, more predictable tax environment. By addressing inefficiencies in tax collection, the government will expand its revenue base, which will allow for better investment in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The new tax reforms feel like a breath of fresh air, and they promise a brighter future for all of us. These changes aim to simplify the tax system, making life easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This will be tax regulations without the usual headaches. The reduced corporate income tax for smaller firms allows us to invest more in growth and create jobs. Plus, the fairer adjustments to personal income tax lighten the load for those earning less while ensuring that the rich contribute their fair share. With these reforms, we can see a stronger economy that benefits everyone, and that is something we can all celebrate.

Dr. Zacch has played a huge role in driving these reforms and this shows a real dedication to building a better tax system in Nigeria. The Tax Boss shows he is taking steps to update how taxes are managed and encouraging teamwork. Thanks to his efforts, Nigeria is set to tap into its economic potential. This progress reflects smart planning that could greatly improve the country’s financial situation.

People should see a clearer and better Nigeria now. These are the much-needed reforms for everyone. Nigeria will be one of the strongest and richest countries in the world, where people will want to stay and invest, no more japa!

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant, broadcast media to the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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