Zacch Adedeji stresses technology’s role in implementing Nigeria’s new tax laws, highlighting digital systems as central to fair and efficient tax administration

At the inaugural convocation lecture of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), emphasised the critical role of technology in implementing Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws.

Also read: The Taxman: Dr. Zacch Adedeji at 48 — His Revolution for Nigerian Taxes

The lecture, titled “The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges, Prospects, and Implications for National Development,” was held at the institution in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area.

In a statement released by his Technical Assistant, Sikiru Akinola, Adedeji outlined key challenges confronting tax administration, including inadequate infrastructure, limited skills, low trust, and widespread resistance.

He noted that these obstacles would be addressed through the digitisation of Nigeria’s tax system.

“Nigeria has recently enacted a new set of tax laws, representing the most significant restructuring of our nation’s fiscal legislation in 50 years,” Adedeji said.

He explained that the laws are designed to operate in a digital environment, requiring reliable taxpayer identification, integrated institutional data, traceable transactions, automated processes, and scalable enforcement.

Adedeji stressed that technology is central to reducing human discretion, improving compliance, and expanding the tax base without raising rates.

“By improving visibility and bringing previously unseen economic activity into view, technology levels the playing field,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the lecture included Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, who encouraged graduates to be ambassadors of the institution.

Also read: The Revolution of Tax Reform by Zacch Adedeji

Yakubu Datti, chairman of the governing council, praised Adedeji’s leadership in re-engineering Nigeria’s tax system, while Rector Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed highlighted Adedeji’s inspiring journey from polytechnic education.