As the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Rivers State branch celebrates its annual International Accountants Day, a renowned tax expert, Prof Bariyima David Kiabel has stated that Nigerians are to pay less taxes as from next year 2026 when the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTA) 2025 comes into force.
Prof Kiabel made the revelation on Monday November 10, 2025 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital while delivering a lecture to mark this year’s International Accountants Day organised by the state branch of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).
In his lecture at the event, captioned, “Current Tax Laws in Nigeria: Emerging Issues, Professional challenges and implications for Accountants and National wellbeing”, the Guest Lecturer, who is the acting Head of the Accountancy department in Rivers State University navigated through the issues and challenges of the NTA Act, 2025 and advised professional Accountants to start arming themselves “with the required knowledge of the new law”.
He observed that the new tax law which comes into force next year is appropriately relevant because it incorporates all taxes in the country in one place known as the “The Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTA) 2025“, poviding that from next year the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS) will be become the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) while the Joint Tax Board will give way for the Joint Revenue Board (JRB).
He however, pointed out that since tax systems worldwide are designed basically for Revenue generation, “the new tax law provides too many exemptions through which revenues are lost. Yet, we want more revenues into government coffers.”
Earlier in his address, State chairman of ANAN, Sir (Dr) Job Barnabas said, “in Nigeria, the evolving tax landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for us as professionals and citizens. As we navigates these changes, it’s crucial we stay ahead of the curve, ensuring compliance and optimizing benefits for our clients and the nation.”
In her welcome address, Dr Sarah Kiabel, chairman of the organising committee stated that November 10th marks a significant day in the accounting calendar, set aside to honour the contributions of Accountants worldwide. “Today, we recognise the vital role Accountants play, especially in navigating complex tax laws.”
Dignitaries at the celebration themed: “Current Tax Law, focusing on issues, challenges and how it affects our wellbeing as Nigerians and Professionals come January 2026” included two former Accountant Generals of the state, Pastor Goodlife Iduoku Ben and Mr Ngozi Abu amongst others.
Highlight of the event was a free medical outreach at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Training Institute Complex, venue of the event in Port Harcourt.
