The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) has commenced broad stakeholder engagement ahead of the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax regime slated to begin on January 1, 2026. The Executive Chairman of AKIRS, Mr. Okon Okon, led the briefing on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the press Centre of the NUJ secreteriat along Information Drive with key government officials and members of the media in attendance.
Mr. Okon explained that the session was organized to enlighten the press on the new tax reform so they can properly inform the public and help calm the unfounded apprehension surrounding its introduction.
“We are here to share knowledge on the new tax regime with the media, so that you can help spread the message to the generality of Akwa Ibom people,” he stated, reassuring that the reforms are in the best interest of Nigerians. He emphasized that the new regime seeks to replace outdated colonial-era tax laws with more modern, transparent, and equitable processes.
According to him, the reform aims to shift the burden away from low-income earners toward high-income earners while ensuring uniformity, transparency, accountability, and the elimination of multiple taxation. The new system will also introduce multiple taxpayer identifiers, create new administrative agencies, widen the tax net, and ensure that all state taxes are paid into a single account to improve efficiency.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance and supervisory Commissioner in the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob, described the new tax regime as a major catalyst for boosting the State’s internally generated revenue. He revealed that Akwa Ibom, under Governor Umo Eno, has not taken any loan since May 2023, attributing the State’s financial stability to ongoing fiscal reforms.
He noted that the State is expecting increased revenue from next year, stating, “This year’s budget, we are making it double… Taxes are used for development; they don’t go into anybody’s pocket.”
Earlier, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the engagement was part of the State’s commitment to ensuring citizens fully understand the purpose and benefits of the national tax reform. He noted that taxation is a collective responsibility that enables government to provide infrastructure, employment, and other public services.
He expressed confidence that the media would take the message to all corners of the State, ensuring the public is adequately informed ahead of the 2026 rollout.
Present at the media parley were, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Mr. Amos Etuk, Snr. Special Assistant to the Governor on Ethical Orientation, Dr. Osondu Ahirika and other government officials and journalists led by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John.