Loi appointed acting IRC Commissioner General

Sam Loi will play the acting Commissioner General role until a substantive appointment is made by national executive council (Image: Supplied)

The National Executive Council has formally appointed Sam Loi as the Acting Commissioner General of the Internal Revenue Commission, effective December 17, 2025.

This transition ensures the lawful exercise of all statutory powers under Papua New Guinea’s tax laws while the government seeks a permanent replacement.

Loi is a seasoned veteran within the institution, having previously served as the Commissioner of Tax.

His deep institutional knowledge comes from a career that began at the IRC in 1999, spanning roles from auditor to Assistant Commissioner for the Large Taxpayers Office.

His elevation to the top acting role signals a commitment to stability during a period of significant institutional change.

This appointment follows the recent resignation of former Commissioner General Sam Koim.

Koim, who led the IRC for over six years, stepped down earlier this month amid discussions regarding legislative amendments to the IRC Act and his subsequent move into the political arena to contest the Dei Open seat.

The IRC has confirmed that all operations remain normal. Taxpayers and financial institutions should continue their engagements as usual, as the commission maintains its focus on revenue integrity and service continuity under Loi’s leadership.