Representatives of KPMG Nigeria met with Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), on Monday in Abuja, in a follow-up engagement after previously expressed concerns over perceived issues in Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws.
The meeting, described by authorities as a courtesy visit, reflected efforts to clarify positions and strengthen professional collaboration between the advisory firm and the revenue authority.
The discussion followed public exchanges between KPMG and the Federal Government over the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which was recently implemented nationwide.
KPMG had earlier published a review outlining what it described as “gaps, errors and contradictions” in the new tax legislation, calling for clarifications and potential amendments to ensure the reforms’ objectives are met.
In an official statement issued after the meeting, the NRS said that KPMG executives commended Dr. Adedeji for his leadership and the timely implementation of the tax reforms, adding that their initial apprehensions regarding the laws “have been significantly allayed.”
The delegation reportedly acknowledged the necessity and timeliness of the reforms and pledged continued professional engagement to support effective tax administration and contribute to national economic growth.
According to the NRS statement, discussions during the meeting focused on key provisions of the tax laws and sought to deepen mutual understanding of complex elements in the legislation.
KPMG’s delegation was said to have used the engagement to clarify aspects of its earlier analysis and to highlight areas for further technical dialogue, while expressing respect for NRS’s role in implementing the reforms.
The meeting came after the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee responded to KPMG’s initial critique, asserting that several concerns raised stemmed from alleged misunderstanding of policy intent and misinterpretation of deliberate reform choices.
Government spokespeople noted that some of KPMG’s comments were useful, particularly on implementation risks and clerical issues, but maintained that the bulk of the critique mischaracterised deliberate policy decisions made in the tax rewriting process.
Tax reforms in Nigeria have become a focal point for business and government stakeholders, with the NRS’s enforcement mandate central to the reforms’ effectiveness.
Experts say ongoing consultations between government agencies and professional bodies like KPMG are critical to refining administrative practices and ensuring that the legal framework aligns with both global standards and domestic economic goals.
The outcome of the meeting signals a willingness on both sides to engage constructively on technical challenges posed by the new tax regime, with the expectation that continued dialogue will improve comprehension and implementation of the laws across Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors.
Implications: The engagement underscores the evolving interaction between private sector advisers and revenue authorities as Nigeria implements broad tax reforms intended to widen the tax base, enhance compliance and promote economic stability.
Continued collaboration may also help reduce misunderstandings and encourage stakeholder confidence in the reform process as implementation progresses.
