Cashless payments, tax reforms, other FG policies kick off in 2026

The Federal Government has announced that several key reforms and directives will officially take effect in 2026, marking a significant shift in governance, revenue administration, and public service delivery.

The measures, aimed at improving transparency, boosting revenue, and modernising government operations, are expected to reshape how citizens and businesses interact with the Federal Government.

Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Tax Reforms

The government has reformed its tax laws, replacing the former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

The new tax framework will come into effect on January 1, 2026, requiring all taxpayers—individuals and businesses alike—to comply with the updated tax administration procedures.

Fully Digital Public Services & Revenue Collection (Cashless Government Payments)

Starting in 2026, all federal revenue collections will require digital payments.

Services such as passports, licences, and regulatory fees will no longer accept cash.

This move represents a major shift toward digital public services and is intended to improve transparency while reducing leakages in revenue collection.

National Single Window (NSW) for Trade and Customs

The government has directed the NSW Steering Committee to ensure the platform is fully operational by the first quarter of 2026.

The NSW is expected to streamline trade and Customs procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and facilitate easier import/export processes for businesses.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) / Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX)

Set for rollout in early 2026, the DPI and NGDX platforms aim to support e-government services, enhance data exchange between government agencies, and improve service delivery to citizens and businesses.

Budget Rollover: Focus on Completing Ongoing Projects

For the 2026 fiscal year, the government has directed that 70% of 2025’s capital budget be rolled over, effectively freezing the launch of many new major projects.

This strategy is designed to focus resources on completing existing projects in areas such as security, infrastructure, and social services, reflecting caution under revenue constraints.

Revenue Optimisation Platform (RevOp)

The Revenue Optimisation Platform will centralise revenue collection, reconciliation, and monitoring across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The system integrates with existing Treasury‑Single Account frameworks, financial management systems, and banks, helping to prevent revenue leakages and improve transparency