By Israella Njasi, Abuja
NUJ, JRB Partner on Tax Reform Awareness
The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has expressed readiness to work closely with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to deepen public awareness of Nigeria’s tax reforms and promote voluntary compliance through credible and responsible journalism.
The commitment was made during a stakeholder engagement between members of the Chapel and officials of the Joint Revenue Board in Abuja, organised as part of activities marking the 2026 World Public Relations Day.
The interactive session, hosted by the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, focused on the Federal Government’s tax reform initiatives, particularly the implementation of the Presumptive Tax Regulations 2026.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, was the Board’s Head of Legal and Secretarial Services, Mr. Ibrahim Ja’afar, who highlighted the importance of media partnership in ensuring Nigerians understand the objectives and benefits of the reforms.
Ja’afar explained that the JRB, as the statutory agency responsible for coordinating and harmonising revenue administration across the country, is committed to improving transparency, reducing confusion around taxation and building public confidence in the tax system.
He said the new Presumptive Tax Regulations were introduced to simplify tax processes, reduce multiple taxation, encourage informal businesses to formalise and shield small-scale operators from unnecessary financial pressure.
The Board disclosed that businesses with annual turnover of ₦12 million or less are exempted from presumptive tax, while businesses above the threshold are expected to pay one per cent of their annual turnover.
It added that several micro-business operators, including petty traders, artisans, shoemakers, food vendors and other small-scale entrepreneurs, enjoy exemptions under the new framework.
The JRB further stressed that cash transactions are not permitted under the new regulations, directing taxpayers to make all payments through approved electronic channels to enhance accountability and eliminate leakages.
The Board noted that communication remains central to the success of the reforms, describing journalists as critical partners in educating citizens, countering misinformation and ensuring effective feedback between government and taxpayers.
On compliance obligations, the JRB clarified that individuals and registered businesses are required by law to file annual tax returns, explaining that tax liability only arises where there is income, profit or gain.
It added that businesses without economic activity are not required to pay tax but must file “nil returns” to remain compliant with statutory requirements.
The Board also highlighted available reliefs for low-income earners, noting that many workers may fall below the taxable threshold after applicable exemptions and allowances are considered.
It further explained that the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud under the JRB Establishment Act 2025 provides taxpayers with a free and impartial avenue to resolve disputes with tax authorities without resorting to court processes.
The JRB said the reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at creating a simpler, fairer and more inclusive tax system that supports businesses and improves revenue administration.
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, commended the Joint Revenue Board for engaging journalists on a matter of national importance.
Ojo assured the Board of the Chapel’s commitment to using responsible journalism to educate Nigerians on the tax reforms, their benefits and their practical implications.
He urged Nigerians, particularly informal sector operators, to take advantage of available exemptions and reliefs while maintaining proper records and complying with relevant tax laws.
The Chapel called on government agencies to sustain regular stakeholder engagements to strengthen public trust, improve tax compliance and promote national development.
It also appealed to the Joint Revenue Board to support the ongoing NUJ FCT Council building project, assist in furnishing the Correspondents’ Chapel office and provide capacity-building opportunities for journalists to enhance public enlightenment on taxation and economic policies.
