The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal Inland Revenue Service

  • Nigeria Revenue Service unveils official logo

    Nigeria Revenue Service unveils official logo

    • FIRS nows NRS

    A new dawn in revenue administration in the country officially begins today as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) which replaces the now rested Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) unveils its institutional brand identity.

    NRS came into operation following the signing of its enabling law known as the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the logo in Abuja, yesterday, the Executive Chairman of NRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the logo and other brand elements for NRS represent an important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.

    Read Also: 2026: Abiru urges Nigerians to consolidate reforms, back Tinubu for economic recovery

    In a statement, the Special Adviser (Media), to the Executive Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, quoted him as adding that “the unveiling of the NRS identity reflects a renewed commitment to a more unified, efficient, and service-oriented revenue system, one that is aligned with Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda and global best practices.

    He said the new identity “signals continuity of purpose, strengthened institutional capacity, and a forward-looking approach to supporting taxpayers and national development.”

    “The Nigeria Revenue Service remains committed to transparency, partnership, and service excellence. The unveiling of this new identity represents not an end, but the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the revenue authority and the Nigerian public—built on trust, clarity, and shared prosperity,” the statement said.

  • Zaccheous, Nigeria’s tax collector facing his job at 47

    Zaccheous, Nigeria’s tax collector facing his job at 47

    By Lere Olayinka

    “I am committed to the task before me, and I will not be pursuing any political ambition in 2027.” 

    With the above statement, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Dr Zaccheous Adedeji, put to a permanent rest, rumours of his intention to run for the governorship of Oyo State in 2027. 

    With the statement too, the Nigeria’s version of the Biblical “Zaccheous The Tax Collector” reaffirmed his commitment and dedication to his duty of shoring up the country’s revenue base, thereby making it self sufficient.

    He also demonstrated that he is not one who functions like the proverbial “Ẹni a fi jọba tó tún se oògùn àwúre” (someone who after being made a King, still goes about doing juju for luck).

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, Adedeji said he was focused on the responsibilities of his current role at FIRS.

    However, as a leader, who is mindful of the feelings of his followers, Zacch acknowledged that his decision might disappoint some of his supporters, he reaffirmed his dedication to his professional duties.

    He said, “I want to use this opportunity to respond to a lot of requests. I, Zacch Adedeji will not contest for the governorship election in 2027.

    “I know a lot of people would not be happy about this, but everybody knows the responsibility and grace that God has given to us. I was commissioner of finance 14 years ago. And by that time, with the grace of God, we’ve done all of what God wants us to do in the state.

    “He has given us that platform. So, the only thing I need from you is your prayers for strength to end well with what I’m doing now. So, I would not want to be distracted.”

    Of course, he is not allowing any distraction and his total commitment to his duties is paying off tremendously.

    For instance, it is to his credit that non oil revenue has increased significantly and more than 200,000 new taxpayers and over 20 per cent increase in tax compliance were recorded as at September, this year.

    It is also to his credit that the tax payment system has been simplified and unified such that taxpayers no longer need to visit FIRS offices. With the click of a button, all tax payments can be made.

    Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS simplified tax processes and payments nationwide, making them more convenient and reducing the cost of compliance and administration.

    On October 8,  2024, the FIRS under Dr Zacch Adedeji launched a *829# USSD initiative as part of its customer service.

    With the *829# USSD initiative, taxpayers now sit in the comfort of their homes and offices to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), view tax types and rates, locate the nearest tax office address and access general tax-related enquiries. 

    Read Also: “A leader of honour and vision” – Aderonke pays tribute to FIRS chairman

    This initiative has no doubt enhanced accessibility and improve service delivery for taxpayers.

    Today, there is significant increment in revenue generation, with the Federal Government successfully collecting N1.5 trillion in Education Tax, as against its target of N70 billion.

    From the N19.4 trillion earmarked for the fiscal year 2024, N18.5 trillion was collected by the end of September.

    Out of N19.4tn targeted for 2024 fiscal year, N18.5tn was realised as of the end of September.

    Today, that contended, committed and extremely humble Nigerian is 47.

    Even as Chairman of a top Federal Government institution as FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, will not look down on anyone. He will respond to my messages by either saying “Egbon, Good Morning Sir or Thank You Sir.”

    On a day like this therefore, one cannot but wish such a man a happy birthday, asking God to continue to uphold him in his commitment and dedication to the service of our country, Nigeria.

    Olayinka is the Senior Special Assistant to the Federal Capital Territory Minister on Public Communications and New Media

  • FIRS launches USSD code to simplify taxpayer services

    FIRS launches USSD code to simplify taxpayer services

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced a new Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code, *829#, designed to enhance taxpayer satisfaction and streamline tax-related services.

    The code was launched on Wednesday by FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, at the Revenue House in Abuja, as part of the 2024 Customer Service Week celebrations themed “Above and Beyond.”

    A statement from the FIRS signed by Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser on media to the FIRS chairman, said Nigeria has become the sixth African nation to adopt USSD technology for simplifying tax administration.

    The service aims to provide easy, real-time access to essential tax information and services without the need for internet connectivity, further promoting accessibility across urban and rural areas.

    The USSD code allows taxpayers to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate FIRS offices, and address general tax-related inquiries. The service is available on all mobile networks in Nigeria, offering a simplified means for citizens to manage their tax obligations.

    At the launch, Adedeji emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.”

    Read Also: FG implements zero VAT for pharmaceutical products

    He encouraged all citizens to utilize the USSD service for ease of access to tax services.

    The FIRS also unveiled its Customer Centricity Guide, manual outlining policies, processes, and procedures aimed at placing taxpayers at the centre of its operations.

    The guide emphasises respect, professionalism, and efficiency, ensuring that taxpayers are treated as key partners in nation-building.

    Adedeji highlighted that the guide and the USSD code represent FIRS’s commitment to service excellence, noting that both initiatives are designed to foster trust and encourage voluntary tax compliance.

    “The taxpayer is not just a client but a valued partner,” he said, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between FIRS and Nigerian taxpayers.

    Nnenna Akajemeli, national coordinator of Servicom, commended FIRS for its efforts to enhance taxpayer services, recognizing the launch of the USSD code and Customer Centricity Guide as significant strides in simplifying tax compliance and improving public engagement.

    She remarked, “These initiatives ensure that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render.”

    Loveth Onanuga, Director of FIRS’s Taxpayers’ Service Department, echoed the agency’s commitment to exceeding taxpayer expectations by delivering exceptional service. She noted that FIRS aims to astonish taxpayers with the quality of support provided, aligned with the “Above and Beyond” theme of Customer Service Week.

  • ‘New tax registration good for taxpayers’

    Mr. Babatunde Fowler, Chairman, Joint Tax Board (JTB) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), explains how the new tax identification number registration system, scheduled for launch on Monday, will bring convenience to the taxpayer, boost tax compliance and revenue collection. He spoke with Bayo Anibaba

    There is a plan by the Joint Tax Board (JTB), which you chair, to introduce a new a New Tax Identification Number (TIN) Registration system. What is this about?

    We call it a new TIN Registration process and will be launched by the Vice President on 1 July. Before now, we have had people undergoing training on how to utilise this. And what this system basically does is to take information already in our system plus what we have in our national tax database. So once it is launched, we have to run it and have it come on the national database for the whole nation, both for companies and individuals. What this implies is that if you have a tax clearance in Kano State, for example, and you are coming to Lagos for transaction, instead of the man in Lagos confirming your tax clearance documents that you brought from Kano, he only needs to click the button and everything shows live. That is what the system does.

    The system brings innovation, convenience and transparency to tax authorities and taxpayers by enabling tax authorities efficiently manage their taxpayer base, while enabling taxpayers to view, retrieve and update their tax profiles at the comfort of their homes or offices.

    The new JTB TIN will be universal throughout the country and can be used by taxpayers to pay for any tax type. This reduces the burden of having to register for multiple TIN numbers from different tax authorities and states, as it leverages on the biometrics we’ve got on BVN, from tax agencies, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). So it brings in all onto a common platform. It also notifies taxpayer through a robust and secure system-to-system integration.

    What are the benefits to tax authorities?

    Clearly, the benefit would be convenience and transparency. If you are resident in one state and you go to transact business in another state, say, quote for a contract, it is in the law that part of the criteria is to have a tax clearance certificate. Immediately, an officer in the ministry will check if the individual name or your company name and your tax data are clearly are available. On the other side, if you have underpaid, like you paid a N100, 000 in Ogun State and you want to buy a property in Lagos for N10 million, the man clicks the button and asks how you can afford a N10 million property in Lagos based on the income on which you paid a tax of N100,000. So basically, it is a situation that is open and provides the taxpayer and the tax administrator with the same knowledge.

    So, it is not a matter of you trying to tell the tax official I pay adequate tax or for the tax official to demand inducement for tax clearance.

    How much trust can the taxpayer have in this new system and does it completely remove the need to physically visit tax offices?

    You don’t have to because we do all these things online. Now when you talk about trust, basically what the system does is to keep all your tax payments. And that currently operates in Lagos, which is one of the few states where it operates. Any payment in Lagos State, for example, over the last five years or six years, is available at the click of a button. This is what we have done with this new system.

    So even for some states that do not have the capacity of the financial muscle to do it, we have put it all together in one place. So, once you key into that system, you have the same benefit as the taxpayer.

    What are the features of the new registration process?

    Let me say this about the features: You have a common platform where all taxpayers’ information resides, which is made available to all tax administrators across the country. It also being made available to government agencies where you have to transact business. So, those are the main features and basically that is what it is there for and at the same time. Another added benefit is that it will certainly improve revenue generation. The new system is able to generate TIN automatically for newly registered cooperate taxpayers from CAC, verify TIN details and print TIN certificate, using the TIN Verification Portal, allows tax officials and taxpayers to initiate TIN registration from the comfort of their homes/offices and at their convenience and allows download via TIN mobile application available on Google Play Store and IOS.

    In addition, the system is available 24/7 system all year round, has ability to retrieve TIN via the use of the JTB USSD, helps resolve taxpayer issues faster by leveraging the robust helpdesk functionality and can find nearest tax office to the taxpayer, using the functionality provided in the TIN mobile application.

    What are the reasons for the adoption of this new registration process?

    Well, the old system didn’t have any of these benefits.

    Is the new system for the FIRS or also for states?

    Basically, it was founded through the Joint Tax Board, so it belongs to the federal and the state agencies, and we are going to make it available at no cost to other government agencies because to have an effective tax administration system, it should be available and very convenient to both the taxpayer and others who require it. So, where you have a situation such as land allocation, one of the conditions is a tax certificate.

    So we’ll make it available to government, to land registry and use it to confirm your land status. Even for politicians, they require tax certificate and INEC will have access to it and immediately they will know whether the person who is running for office is tax compliant or not.

    What is the next phase of this new tax identification number (TIN) registration process?

    The next phase is the deployment across the federation. And to give it to all government agencies that require it and of course, this information will be kept in strict confidence and will be used for the purpose for which it has been made available. And for taxpayers, it is another very convenient way to carry out business where a tax clearance certificate is required.

  • Foul call by Fowler?

    Just as well – the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has denied that hiking value-added tax (VAT), by 35% to 50%, from its current five per cent, is imminent.  Given that the economy is just making it out of recession and the government is about implementing the new minimum wage, the move would have been counter-productive.

    Wahab Gbadamosi, FIRS head of communication and Servicom department, put the record straight on what Babatunde Fowler, FIRS executive chairman, told the Senate committee: “Though he indicated that there should be an increase in VAT rate by the end of the year, he never for once suggested a 50% hike or any percentage increase at all”

    Before that denial, Mr. Fowler was quoted to have told the Senate Committee on Finance, on the imperative to increase VAT to shore up the government’s revenue, as part of the Federal Government’s Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Framework (MTEF).  Jacking up VAT, he was reported to have insisted, was necessary to raise more cash, so the government could meet its obligation to citizens.

    “Nigerians should be ready for increase in VAT before the end of the year,” he reportedly declared. “VAT is higher in other countries, including Ghana and many others.  There should be increase in rate but not immediately.”

    To further underscore the imperative of making taxes – and less oil revenue – as primary basis of government spending, Mr. Fowler told the committee that the government’s tax revenue projection for 2019 was N8 trillion, out of which VAT was projected to rake in N3 trillion.  He also painted the progressive increase in tax receipts, in the last three years: 2016 (N3.31 trillion), 2017 (N4.03 trillion) and 2018 (N5.3 trillion), suggesting that for FIRS to gross the 2019 N8 trillion target, VAT should be pressed into service.

    “I can certainly see an increase in VAT of at least 35% to 50% this year, based on our enforcement activities.  There certainly will be an increase in company income tax (CIT) and also petroleum profit tax (PPT),” he said, adding that “A lot of Nigerians travel to Ghana and other West African countries and they can see that theirs is much higher.  They pay when they go for those trips.  We should be ready for an increase on VAT.”

    There is a lot to be said for making taxation the main driver of public spending; just as there is much to be decried in the present practice of oil money, driving public expenditure.  Taxation could be the single antidote to combat public sector corruption, since citizens are much likelier to exert control and demand accountability, if the cash, by tax, is hard earned money, coming from their pocket.

    Indeed, the present endemic corruption could well have emanated from the feeling that oil money is nature’s manna, and not anyone’s direct sweat.  So, tax as main engine of public spending, is near-unassailable. Since VAT is consumption tax, the points that push other taxes should, other things being equal, push the case of VAT.

    Still, the weakest argument is clearly the one that presupposes that since Ghana’s VAT is 10%, Nigeria’s should automatically be so.  That is soft and emotive; and commands little or no merit, beyond a mere wish.  First, it shuns the economy of scale VAT should enjoy, with Nigeria’s huge population.  Then, it underplays the lack of enforcement, that the FIRS boss himself admitted.  If these two factors are harnessed, VAT earnings should soar, other things being equal.  So, instead of making a lazy, surface-to-surface comparison with Ghana and other West African countries, FIRS should first revamp its enforcement machine.  But there is also talk of some West African ECOWAS tax protocol, to which Nigeria is bound.  That is true.  But even regional protocols should not be at the expense of locals’ economic benefits.

    The argument is, therefore, not ever to increase VAT.  That would come when the economic indices allow it.  Right now, however, it is bad timing: with Nigeria’s economy slowly coming out of recession and the new minimum wage regime about to take off.

    You don’t increase minimum wage with the left hand only to take it back, from the poor and most vulnerable, with the right, through VAT.  That is why any call for VAT increase right now is nothing but a foul call.

  • FIRS Arraigns Companies, 3 Others Over Tax Evasion, Assault on Revenue Staff

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday arraigned Fortless Global Concept Limited and Everyday Wine Shop and their representatives at the Federal High Court, Abuja on alleged tax evasion, obstruction of official duty and attack on staff of the FIRS on duty among other charges.

    In the Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/48/2019, between the Federal Government of Nigeria (Complainant) and Fortless Global Concept Limited (also known as Federal High Courtand Chukwu Ejike (Defendants), the FIRS proffered a six-count charge bordering on tax evasion and assault on FIRS staff on duty on the defendants pursuant to Section 174 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Section 47 of the FIRS Establishment Act No: 13, 2007.

    Similarly, in the Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/47/2019, between the Federal Government of Nigeria (Complainant) and Everyday Wine Shop (also known as Everyday Wine Shop &Bar), Mbah Sunday and Epkeha Peter (Defendants), the FIRS preferred a six-count charge also bordering on tax evasion and assault on FIRS staff on duty on the defendants pursuant to Section 174 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Section 47 of the FIRS Establishment Act No: 13, 2007.

    A statement from FIRS said “representatives of the two companies who are currently on administrative bail: Mbah Sunday and Epkeha Peter for Everyday Wine Shop and Chukwu Ejike for Fortless Global Concept pleaded not guilty to the charges.”

    Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo of the Federal High Court 10, Abuja granted the application of the leader of FIRS prosecution counsel, James Binang and scheduled March 21, 2019 for the FIRS to prove the charges against the defendants.

    Following undertaking by the counsels of the defendants (Sanya Amos for Everyday Wine Shop and M. A Ejeh for Fortless Global Concept Limited) the Court also granted that the counsels should to bring the defendants to Court on March 21st, 2019 for further hearing.

    The statement said Binang for the FIRS “took the measures to prosecute the defendants to serve as a deterrent for other people who would want to evade taxes or tow the ignoble route of preventing tax officers from carrying out their official responsibilities.

    READ ALSO: CJN’s trial at CCT: prosecution opens case, calls first witness

    We keep your funds in the most secure wallets. We use the most Secure Procedures to keep and move funds; we have Ice Cold storage.

    “We cannot allow this to continue. Our staff were assaulted and their dresses torn. The FIRS wants to prosecute these cases to their logical conclusions to send signals to other people who would want to commit similar offences”, Binang told the Court.

    Charges against Everyday Wine Shop are similar with the charges against Fortless Global Concept Limited.

    Some of the Charges against Everyday Wine Shop are: “That you, Everyday Wine Shop (aka Everyday Wine Shop and Bar) 2. Mbah Sunday and 3. Epkeha Peter on or about the 24th day of January 2019 at the Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being obliged to deduct and remit Value Added Tax (VAT) in the course of your business, conspired amongst yourselves to participate in Tax Evasion; and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 49(1) and (2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No: 13, 2007.

    “That you, Everyday Wine Shop (aka Everyday Wine Shop and Bar) 2. Mbah Sunday and 3. Epkeha Peter on or about the 24th day of January 2019 at the Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being taxable persons conspired amongst yourselves to obstruct and assault authorised officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in the course of the performance of their official functions; of pasting Value Added Tax (VAT) Non-Compliance Notice on business premises of persons and individuals adjudged by the Service to be Non Tax Compliant; and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 49(1) and (2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No: 13, 2007.

    “That you, Everyday Wine Shop (aka Everyday Wine Shop and Bar) 2. Mbah Sunday and 3. Epkeha Peter on or about the 24th day of January 2019 at the Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being taxable persons conspired amongst yourselves obstructed and assaulted Miss Funke A. Shodunke, an authorised officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in the course of the performance of their official functions; of pasting Value Added Tax (VAT) Non-Compliance Notice on business premises of persons and individuals adjudged by the Service to be Non Tax Compliant; and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 49(1) and (2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No: 13, 2007”, the Charges read.

     

  • FIRS gets N23b unpaid tax from corporate firms

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has generated over N23billion in unpaid taxes from the recently suspended substitution exercise on corporate bank accounts, marked by the imposition of restriction on the accounts of tax-defaulting organisations.

    FIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler, who spoke in Lagos yesterday at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Interactive Forum on Tax Matters as guest speaker, said the focus of exercise was 3,000 frims deducting Value Added Tax (VAT) and Withholding Tax (WHT) on behalf of the Federal Government without remitting such.

    The companies, he said, had no tax identification and therefore could not remit the deducted taxes to government, making them treat such deductions as part of their cash flow.

    Fowler stated that the suspension of the exercise for 30 days, announced last weekend, was occasioned by the deluge of corporate taxpayers visiting FIRS offices to regularise their tax affairs and make payments, a situation that stretched the service administratively, as it could not lift the lien on their accounts as quickly as it wished. Thus, the FIRS directed banks to lift restrictions on such accounts to allow affected tax companies regularise their tax status within 30 days and begin to make arrangements for the liquidation of their tax liabilities.

    According to the FIRS chief, the Service’s decision to place lien on accounts of businesses, corporate organisations and partnerships with an annual banking turnover in excess of N1billion, but without tax identification, was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting last September.

    Read also: INEC clears 72.7m to vote

    Fowler said: “Our position was that if you charge VAT, which is not your money; or deduct Withholding Tax from vendors and you have no tax identification, you cannot even pay tax to the FIRS because you can’t pay without tax identification. So these operators were defrauding the society and the nation by charging consumers VAT, by deducting Withholding Tax and not remitting on behalf of other taxpayers. We had over 3,000 of such and we said if they do not come forward, we’d follow the law and do what they call substitution.

    Service made some administrative errors, which made banks place restrictions on accounts of a few companies with tax identification. This, he explained, arose from wrong information from the banks. But restrictions on such, he added, were lifted within 24 hours in addition to tendering of formal apology to those impacted.

  • N9.8bn tax debt: FIRS shuts NDPHC HQ

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) yesterday sealed off the headquarters of the Niger Delta Power Holding (NDPHC) over tax liabilities totalling N9, 831,368, 259.90.

    Led by Mrs. Anita Erinne, the FIRS enforcement team went to the NDPHC headquarters at the Central Business District in Abuja with a warrant signed by the FIRS Chairman, Mr. Tunde Fowler.

    According to the warrant, the liabilities, comprising of Corporate Income Tax, Education Tax, Value Added Tax and Withholding Tax were incurred between 2007 and 2017.

    The FIRS had on Thursday  also sealed the premises of defaulting companies in Lagos. Among these was Pormat Peters located at 1-5, Pormat Drive, Abule Egba, over a tax debt of N504 million. A similar fate befell Niger Insurance Plc which owes N190.9million.

    Managing Director of the insurance firm, Mr.Lawal Mijinyawa, told FIRS team that he and the finance manager were unaware of the tax debt because they had just resumed at the firm, a plea that was ignored.

    The team also sealed ANSA Systems Limited, located at 133A, Eti-Osa Street, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi. The company has tax liabilities totalling N17 million.

    An employee of the company admitted the debt profile and pleaded that the premises should not be shut, as it has paid N2million out of the amount owed.  But the leader of the FIRS team, Mrs. Aisha Duze, rejected the plea on the grounds that the company could not provide evidence of payment.

    “Since you cannot show us evidence, we have to seal your company. That is the mandate given to us,” she said.

  • FIRS generates N5trn revenue

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) generated N5 trillion in the second week of this month.

    It said by the end of this year, it would have generated N5.3 trillion revenue.

    Its Executive Chairman, Mr. Tunde Fowler, in a statement yesterday expalined that if the agency succeeds  in pooling the N5.3 trillion revenue, it will mark the highest revenue ever generated by agency in history. “The highest in FIRS history is N5.07 trillion generated in 2012,” he said.

    The FIRS’ generation of N5 trillion is significant as it was recorded in “a period when oil prices oscillated between $50 and $70 per barrel. Oil price was at an average of $100 to $120 per barrel between 2010 and 2013” the statement said.

    The statement explained that Mr Fowler spoke  during the induction of new members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) yesterday in Abuja.

    He said: “FIRS has been able to record significant achievements following maximum support from the Presidency, Ministry of Finance, the JTB and other taxation stakeholders.

    “This year, the FIRS, with the support of the Presidency, Ministry of Finance, the JTB and other stakeholders, has been able to generate up to N5 trillion. We believe that we should be able to close at least at N5.3 trillion which should be the highest in the history of FIRS. And we believe that with that additional revenue, the state and Federal Governments would be able to provide more services and more development to the people of Nigeria.”

    Fowler urged the new JTB inductees to equip themselves with new ideas and embrace Information Communication Technology (ICT) to be able to face the reality of revenue collection in the ever-changing society.

    This new development he said indicated that “we should be able to develop the ability to accept and embrace positive change, maybe due to the fact that change is inevitable, but more significantly that oftentimes, change presents us with the rare breaks that we can exploit to advance individual and collective goals and objectives.”

    The FIRS chief also stated that as the global society continues to transform in structure and process, especially with new technologies and ways of doing things, the role that has been presented before tax administrators in an emerging economy such as Nigeria are quite enormous.

    He said: “Rather than being overwhelmed by the rapid changes of the 21st century, taxmen should remain undaunted and see the opportunities that are possible to us as a people in general and as tax administrators in particular.

    “I believe that history has placed this responsibility on each and every one of us here today to be the critical success factors in our quest towards ensuring sustainable revenue generation for our various jurisdictions and for our country as well.”

    Developments in global politics and economics, he noted, “indicate a trend towards increased deemphasis on proceeds from oil and other commodity exports. Huge investments are being made everyday by more advanced economies towards seeking alternative energy sources; and sooner rather than later, oil as a mainstay of the nation’s economy will indeed no longer be sustainable, it is just a matter of time.”

  • Nigeria’s taxpayer population hits 33m, says Fowler

    Taxpayer population in the country is set to hit 33 million, Chairman, Joint Tax Board (JTB) and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler,  said yesterday at the 142nd meeting of the JTB in Bauchi, Baushi State.

    According to Fowler, the ongoing database consolidation of the JTB, an initiative being executed in collaboration with the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), has shown that the population paying tax in the country is now well over 33 million. He said having this consolidated database, which is clean and credible, opens the door to immense opportunities for the tax administrator at all levels.

    He said: “As we build on this data, we shall also be ensuring that the technological infrastructure that will facilitate the seamless exchange of data across levels of competent authorities are present. This entails significant investment in Information Technology via the provision of required infrastructure, equipment   and as capacity building for personnel that will drive the processes.”

    Mr Fowler expressed optimism that investment in infrastructure will foster efficiency in taxpayer management and will align with the country being a signatory to the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA), which will trigger the Automatic Exchange of Information among treaty partners and two other initiatives of the Federal Government: the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), and the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularisation Scheme (VOARS).

    Fowler also celebrated the marked increase in revenue generation in Bauchi State, where the governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, launched payment of taxes through Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and through its website. The new e-payment system is being powered by Interswitch. Mr Fowler said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state has risen from about N4 billion to over N7 billion monthly.