The Federal Government says a series of far reaching reforms, including the full migration to cashless public payments, revamped tax administration, and upgraded digital infrastructure, will officially take effect from 2026 in a move aimed at improving transparency, strengthening revenue collection, and modernising government operations.
The reforms, announced through government circulars and policy documents, mark one of the most ambitious shifts in public service administration in recent years. They include new tax procedures under the Nigeria Revenue Service, digital only payment requirements, enhanced data sharing infrastructure, and the introduction of a unified revenue monitoring platform.
Under the revised tax framework, the Nigeria Revenue Service will replace the former Federal Inland Revenue Service beginning January 1, 2026. The government stated that all individuals and businesses must comply with updated tax processes as part of a wider effort to boost national revenue and simplify taxpayer engagement.
In line with the administration’s digital governance agenda, all federal payments for services such as passports, licences, regulatory fees, and administrative charges will transition to cashless channels from next year. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will no longer accept cash transactions, a policy expected to significantly reduce leakages and strengthen accountability.
The Nigeria Single Window Steering Committee has also been directed to ensure full operational readiness of the national trade facilitation platform by the first quarter of 2026. Authorities believe the system will streamline import and export procedures and reduce bureaucratic delays in Customs operations.
Further technological reforms include the rollout of Digital Public Infrastructure and the Nigerian Data Exchange platform in early 2026. According to the government, both systems are designed to enhance interagency data sharing, improve service delivery, and support the country’s long term e government framework.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the administration has ordered the rollover of seventy percent of the 2025 capital budget, prioritising completion of ongoing projects in security, infrastructure, and social services. Officials say the directive reflects a cautious approach tied to current revenue realities.
Additionally, the Revenue Optimisation Platform will centralise collection, reconciliation, and monitoring of federal revenue across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The system will operate in line with Treasury Single Account structures and financial management tools already in use to improve transparency and block leakages.
