A coalition of civic and economic advocacy groups has commended the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) over what it described as a significant surge in government revenue, attributing the development to ongoing fiscal reforms.
The coalition said the increase reflects a major shift in Nigeria’s public finance system, driven by improved transparency, accountability, and the adoption of technology in revenue collection.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group, led by Dr Clarus Nnaemeka of the Coalition for Fiscal Justice, Economic Renewal and Public Accountability, said monthly revenue rose from ₦711 billion in May 2023 to ₦3.635 trillion by September 2025.
It added that total collections also climbed from ₦6.41 trillion in 2021 to ₦28.79 trillion in 2025.
The coalition praised the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, for what it called “bold and disciplined re-engineering” of the country’s revenue framework.
The group linked the gains to reforms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is beginning to yield measurable results.
“For decades, Nigeria grappled with a narrow revenue base, systemic leakages and weak tax compliance. What we are witnessing today is a deliberate shift towards a more transparent, technology-driven and accountability-focused system,” the statement said.
According to the coalition, the increase in the number of taxpayers to over 19 million, including more than 800,000 corporate entities, marks a key milestone in formalising the economy.
It noted that the development could reduce reliance on oil revenues and strengthen fiscal sustainability.
The group said improved revenue mobilisation would enhance government capacity to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection.
It also noted that higher revenue could reduce borrowing pressures, stabilise the currency, and help manage inflation.
“When revenue improves in a transparent manner, it strengthens the government’s capacity to fund public goods,” the statement added.
Despite the positive outlook, the coalition cautioned that sustaining the gains would require consistent policies and improved oversight.
“It is not enough to collect more; government must also spend better,” the group said, stressing the need for transparency in revenue utilisation.
The coalition urged the NRS to deepen engagement with taxpayers, strengthen enforcement against evasion, and expand the use of digital tools to block leakages.
It concluded that if sustained, the reforms could lay the foundation for long-term fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
