The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that it collected a total of ₦47.39 trillion in tax revenue between October 2023 and September 2025, surpassing its projected target for the period by 15%.
The agency described the performance as a testament to the success of Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms, which emphasize digital innovation, expanded compliance, and reduced dependence on oil revenues.
Non-Oil Revenue Dominates Collections
According to the FIRS report, non-oil revenue contributed approximately 76% of the total tax receipts, marking another significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its revenue base away from crude oil.
Key contributors to the robust performance included:
- Company Income Tax (CIT) — driven by improved corporate compliance and better reporting systems.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) — buoyed by digital collection reforms and widened registration among SMEs.
- Stamp Duties and Capital Gains Tax — supported by technology-enabled tracking and enforcement mechanisms.
The FIRS noted that enhanced collaboration with state tax authorities and the deployment of integrated e-filing and payment systems played a critical role in boosting efficiency and transparency.
Digital Reforms Drive Efficiency
The Service attributed its improved performance to a series of policy and operational reforms, including the expansion of the national tax database, automation of audit processes, and the introduction of AI-powered compliance tools to detect and curb tax evasion.
“This performance underscores the effectiveness of our reform agenda and the commitment of Nigerian taxpayers to national development,” an FIRS spokesperson said. “Through digital transformation, we have not only expanded the tax net but also simplified payment processes for individuals and businesses.”
The use of digital platforms for VAT remittance and real-time reporting has enabled the Service to track revenue more accurately and close leakages that previously hindered performance.
Strengthening Fiscal Resilience
Economic analysts say the achievement highlights Nigeria’s progress in strengthening its fiscal resilience, particularly amid global oil price fluctuations. By relying more on non-oil income, the government is better positioned to stabilize public finances, fund infrastructure projects, and support social investments.
“FIRS’s strong revenue collection is an indicator of Nigeria’s growing fiscal maturity,” said Dr. Ifeoma Nnaji, a public finance analyst. “This level of performance shows that digitalization and policy reforms are beginning to yield tangible results.”
Outlook and Future Goals
Looking ahead, the FIRS has reaffirmed its commitment to surpassing future revenue targets through continued digital innovation, improved taxpayer education, and stronger inter-agency collaboration. The agency also pledged to maintain transparency and accountability in tax administration to further build public trust.
As Nigeria continues to expand its non-oil revenue capacity, experts believe sustained reforms in tax compliance culture, data analytics, and economic diversification will remain key to achieving long-term fiscal stability and national growth.
