The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FIRS

  • What to expect from FIRS in 2025

    What to expect from FIRS in 2025

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji and his team did so much in 2024 that one can’t help but wonder what 2025 holds. 

    This is a man who is not only ready to work but also committed to doing what is necessary in the tax sector. But as we start the year, one question keeps coming to my mind: when will the Tax Reform Bill be passed into law? 

    These are bills Nigerians should look forward to and seize the opportunity for, as it can transform how taxes are managed. One thing is for sure: the Tax Boss plans to do even more this year.

    If you have been following FIRS closely over the past year, you will know that it has been a year of innovative change and progress. With Dr.  Zacch in charge, FIRS has moved from strength to strength. Whether it’s pushing for transparency, improving efficiency, or embracing technology to modernize the system, the management team at FIRS has stepped up in ways we haven’t seen before in Nigeria. 

    The Tax Boss does not only celebrate 2024’s achievement all by himself, he also recognizes the collaborative work that made it possible. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and continuous alignment of people, processes, and technology.

    Read Also: Diri hails Etete at 80, describes ex-minister as patriotic

    These three pillars were key in meeting the revenue targets and will remain so as FIRS pushes for even greater success in this year, 2025. 

    Dr. Zacch points out how necessary it is for FIRS to maintain public trust. It’s a relationship that takes time to build but can be lost in an instant. Throughout 2024, FIRS worked hard to make sure that taxpayers understood where their money was going and how it was being used. 

    The effort to make the process more transparent, to answer questions before they arise, and to ensure taxpayers feel valued has made a difference in Nigeria. It’s about showing that paying taxes is not just an obligation, it’s a responsibility we all share in building our nation.

    The new year has only just begun, and it is evident that FIRS intends to take advantage of the chance it presents. The road ahead is filled with both challenges and possibilities. The Tax Boss is ready to face those challenges head-on, and he’s bringing the whole team with him. 

    It is about ensuring that every Nigerian understands the need to pay taxes while also trusting that the system has their back. Whether it’s simplifying processes, improving communication, or launching more accessible technologies, FIRS is working toward a single goal: a stronger Nigeria.

    The targets for 2025 are higher, as are the expectations. It is a year of continuing to innovate, pushing the limits of what is possible, and being committed to taxpayers. Dr. Zacch has set a high standard, and there is no doubt that with his leadership, determination, and teamwork, the agency will continue to succeed in Nigeria.

    – Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. 

  • “A leader of honour and vision” – Aderonke pays tribute to FIRS chairman

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

    As Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), marks his 47th birthday, tributes have poured in to celebrate his leadership and transformative impact on Nigeria’s tax administration. 

    Among these heartfelt messages is a glowing tribute from Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the Technical Assistant on Broadcast to the FIRS Chairman.

    In her tribute, Atoyebi lauded Adedeji’s exceptional leadership and highlighted his role in redefining revenue collection in Nigeria. 

    “Nigerians are lucky to have such a capable man in charge of tax administration,” she stated, adding that his tenure has been characterised by unprecedented achievements and reforms.

    Atoyebi emphasised Adedeji’s significant milestones, particularly the record-breaking revenue collection achieved within his first year in office. 

    This accomplishment, she noted, earned commendations from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and positioned the FIRS as a model of efficiency and accountability.

    Beyond the numbers, Adedeji’s leadership embodies the Yoruba principle of “Omoluabi”—a person of honour and integrity. 

    According to Atoyebi, “Dr Zacch exemplifies this principle through his actions, not just his words.” 

    His tenure has seen the introduction of innovative technological solutions that have modernised the tax collection process, fostering transparency and responsiveness.

    Atoyebi also highlighted the Chairman’s commitment to uplifting his team. 

    Read Also: Lagos, Osun schools record poor turnout on first day of resumption

    “He understands that true success lies in uplifting those around him,” she noted, praising his ability to foster collaboration and prioritise the growth and well-being of FIRS staff.

    “Your impact on Nigeria, FIRS in particular, and the greater good of the organisation in general will be felt for generations,” Atoyebi concluded. Her tribute reflects the admiration and gratitude shared by many on this special occasion.

    As Nigerians celebrate Dr Zacch Adedeji’s birthday, his leadership continues to inspire, setting a benchmark for excellence and innovation in public service.

  • FIRS trains 20 Ekiti youths in modern livestock production

    FIRS trains 20 Ekiti youths in modern livestock production

    Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has concluded the training of 20 youths in Ekiti State in the use of modern skills and practices to boost livestock farming.

    Speaking at the end of a two-day training in Ikere-Ekiti, the Chairman of FIRS, Zaccheus Adedeji, said the trainees were drawn from the 16 local governments.

    Adedeji, represented by Mrs Benedicta Akpana, said the programme, organised in partnership with JustSnails Africa, was aimed at creating jobs for youths to become self-reliant, eradicate hunger and enhance food security.

    The FIRS boss added that the training would help the beneficiaries to become entrepreneur, thereby reducing insecurity and unemployment in the country.

    Read Also: Why we are empowering Southwest youths in agric, by FIRS

    He said the beneficiaries would in turn employ others, contributing to the economic growth by increasing the Gross Domestic Product and fulfilling their tax obligations as responsible citizens.

    “Change is the only constant thing. People know FIRS for collecting taxes, but thanks to the new leadership under Dr Adedeji. We are also giving back to the society. We don’t only collect; we also give.

    “That was why we came up with this initiative to empower youths to become self-sufficient. Government cannot provide for everyone, and not everyone can depend on government to survive. You can do what you can for yourself.”

  • Why we are empowering Southwest youths in agric, by FIRS

    Why we are empowering Southwest youths in agric, by FIRS

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) said its decision to empower youths in the southwest region in agro-farming, aquaculture, and poultry production was to tackle unemployment and boost food production.

    It said youths were being empowered in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states through training.

    The FIRS assured that other states would benefit from the programme aimed at eradicating hunger, boosting food production, enhancing economic development, and providing employment.

    Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacheus Adedeji, who met with the beneficiaries in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the initiative was designed to enhance food security and tackle unemployment.

    He said: “We’re empowering the youth of the Southwest through agro-farming, fish farming, poultry farming, and the like. And we’ve been doing this for the last week. We all know FIRS for always collecting. So, this is us giving back.

    “And since August we’ve been on this train; we give back, and we follow up because we believe that when you train a farmer, you feed a nation. So this is to help us grow our agricultural sector. In the same vein, we grow our GDP as a country. If you learn this properly, you grow with this. You also employ other people because agriculture is paramount in every society.

    Read Also: Ex-CJN, Babalakin, FIRS boss to discuss Tax Administration at NBA 70th anniversary

    “By the time you grow your poultry farm, you employ more people, you become a responsible citizen, and responsible citizens pay their taxes. So that’s why we are here. As we begin, I pray that you learn and also become useful to yourselves and society.

    “This way, we reduce the rate of unemployment in society and become self-sufficient because we know that the government cannot employ everybody. We have to do it for ourselves.”

    The resource person, Femi Oludare, assured the beneficiaries that opportunities abound in the agricultural sector.

    “So, we now have a great opportunity, thanks to the FIRS for giving us support to empower them, our youth most especially. Not just startups, but people that have started, but in a little way, just to have a pull, not only necessarily by push but a pull so that they can do much better. And so that’s why we are here in the city of Akure.”

  • Ex-CJN, Babalakin, FIRS boss to discuss Tax Administration at NBA 70th anniversary

    Ex-CJN, Babalakin, FIRS boss to discuss Tax Administration at NBA 70th anniversary

    The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Wale Babalakin, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacheus Adedeji, are set to speak on “Tax and its Administration in Nigeria” at the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch.

    The event, part of a week-long celebration of the Ibadan NBA’s milestone, will also feature prominent figures such as Olufemi Awakan, Chairman of Oyo State’s Internally Generated Revenue, NBA President Afam Osigwe, and the Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

    Notable attendees include Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), retired Court of Appeal Justice Peter Olabisi Ige, Ahmed Raji (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima.

    In an interview with journalists in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Ibadan NBA 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo, revealed that as part of the celebrations, the Ibadan NBA will donate items to orphanages and hold the final of the Aare Afe Babalola football competition.

    Ojo emphasized that the Ibadan Bar is a pacesetter and the first formally organized bar association in Nigeria, having produced a distinguished group of lawyers excelling in various fields.

  • FIRS trains southwest youths to boost livestock farming, empower communities

    FIRS trains southwest youths to boost livestock farming, empower communities

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has launched a training and empowerment programme for youths in the southwest, particularly in Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti states, to develop them into potential livestock farmers.

    Benedicta Akpana, representing the Office of the Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of FIRS on Special Duties, highlighted that the initiative aims to deliver long-term benefits by transforming the participants into skilled livestock farmers within a few years.

    Speaking at the event in Ibadan, Akpana emphasised that the beneficiaries would, in turn, empower others, contributing to economic growth by increasing the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and fulfilling their tax obligations as responsible citizens.

    She said: “FIRS is currently sponsoring  a livestock farming training/empowerement for youths in Southwest (Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti State). We just concludede the first phase in Oyo State, and the next phase will be coming up in Ekiti State between 12th and 13th of December, and the last phase will be in Ondo State between 16th and 17th of December.

    “24 youths in Oyo State has been empowered after the training to support their dream and vision in rearing livestock (poultry).

    Read Also: First Lady pledges renewed fight against tuberculosis

    In his remark, the Convener, Livestock Training Programme for 60 youths in South West, Femi Oludare Rowland said the motive behind the training was to create job for the youths, eradicate poverty and ensure food security.

    He said there is need for more youths to go back to agriculture because there is an opportunity for them to feed the nation through agriculture.

    One of the beneficiaries, Fikayo Akinwunmi lauded FIRS for the two-day training towards expanding food security of the nation.

    He however seek expansion of capacity building for small poultry businesses through access to loan so as to increase their productivities.

  • FIRS boss tipped to revamp Oyo IGR if he runs for gov

    FIRS boss tipped to revamp Oyo IGR if he runs for gov

    The Oyo State Stakeholder Forum has said the Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue, Zeech Adedeji, will revamp Oyo State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) if he contests and wins the 2027 governorship election.

    Convener of the Forum, Mr Jelili Akande, who said this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that as governor, Adedeji will modernise Oyo State’s tax administration system, making it more inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven.

    Akande said: “His strategy will involve the deployment of innovative tools to identify untapped revenue streams, expand the tax base, and ensure that every taxable entity contributes fairly to the state’s development.”

    He said central to the transformation would be a shift from the traditional reliance on federal allocations to a robust IGR framework.

    According to him, by leveraging data analytics and automation, Adedeji would aim to reduce leakages, improve compliance, and make the tax process seamless for individuals and businesses alike.

    Akande urged the state government to embrace the template of FIRS chairman to improve the IGR.

    He said Adedeji’s tenure at FIRS was marked by strategic reforms that had improved efficiency and transparency.

    “Key among these achievements is the introduction of a digital tax filing system, which has streamlined tax processes and minimised leakages.

    “This technological transformation has made compliance easier for businesses and individuals alike, leading to a significant increase in tax revenues,” he said.

    According to him, Adedeji championed public-private-partnerships to create awareness about tax compliance, ensuring that more businesses became part of the formal economy.

    He said the FIRS boss’s efforts had not only widened the tax net but had also restored public confidence in how tax revenues are utilised.

    Read Also: Oyo govt ready to deploy newly recruited teachers

    “The Oyo Stakeholders Forum firmly believes that Dr. Sir Zaach Adedeji possesses the vision, experience, and determination to transform Oyo State’s revenue system and drive sustainable development. His track record at FIRS is a testament to his ability to deliver results, and his commitment to transparency and accountability is exactly what Oyo State needs at this critical time.

    “As we look forward to the 2027 elections, we urge all Oyo residents to support this vision of a prosperous, self-reliant state. Together, we can build an Oyo State where every resident shares in the benefits of economic growth and development,” he added.

  • Why Fed Govt is borrowing, by Edun, Bagudu, FIRS boss

    Why Fed Govt is borrowing, by Edun, Bagudu, FIRS boss

    • ‘Forensic audit of NNPCL’s N8tr debt claim ongoing’

    The Federal Government yesterday defended its decision to seek more foreign loans, saying they are a component of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    It explained that apart from using the loans to partly fund N9.7 trillion deficit in the budget, they would be used to further enhance  infrastructure and help the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; his Budget and Economic Planning counterpart, Atiku Bagudu and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, gave the reasons at an interactive session on 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for revenue generating agencies at the National Assembly in Abuja.

    Zacch Adedeji

    The session was organised by the National Assembly Joint Committees on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs.

    President Bola Tinubu had in two letters to the National Assembly requested a nod to borrow $2.209 billion.

    The explanation by Edun, Bagudu, and Adedeji, who are members of the Economic Team of the President, followed a question asked by Senator Adamu Aliero on why the government needed more loans when its revenue agencies had surpassed their revenue targets for this year.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Q3 GDP growth, vows to improve living standards

    Adedeji, who the question was directed at, said: “The fact that we meet revenue targets, that does not mean we should not go and borrow and the reason is simple. The budget we have has both a borrowing component and an internally generated revenue component.

    “So, it is a total package. Our borrowing target is there in the budget as approved by the National Assembly.”

    Edun and Bagudu thereafter stepped in, saying that borrowing was still needed for proper funding of the budget, despite excess revenues made by some of the revenue agencies.

    Bagudu

    Bagudu said: “Despite surpassing revenue targets by some of the revenue generating agencies, the government still needs to borrow for proper funding of the budget, particularly in the area of deficit and provision for the poorest and most vulnerable.

    “We have a long-term development agenda 2050 aiming at GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capital of $33,000.”

    Edun also expressed optimism about the country’s economic future, citing a strategic budget for 2025.

    According to him, Nigeria has changed fundamentally under President Tinubu’s leadership 

    The minister emphasised the importance of market pricing of petroleum products and foreign exchange, which, he said, had sent the right signals to investors.

    “Just today (yesterday), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)  announced that GDP growth in the third quarter was 3.46 percent, let’s say, for the sake of round numbers, 3.5 percent.

    “That means that the GDP per capital is increasing. The economy is moving in the right direction.

    “Inflation is too high and that is why interventions are being made particularly for the most vulnerable.

    “Let me just summarise the change by saying that in Nigeria, for the first time in four decades, we have market prices of petroleum products being determined by market forces because of the local refinery which is not only producing Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), but also diesel and Jet A1 (Aviation fuel).  It is also producing raw materials for industries and agriculture.

    “In addition, we have market pricing of foreign exchange. 

    “For the first time in 40 years, no Nigerian can wake up and think that his way to fortune and the quickest path he can take to getting rich is by getting an allocation of foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “Likewise, no Nigerian can wake up and feel that his quickest path to riches is to look for a subsidised allocation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and make money.”

  • FIRS partners with estate surveyors to boost tax efficiency

    FIRS partners with estate surveyors to boost tax efficiency

    The chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has expressed strong support for a collaborative partnership between the agency and the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

    He noted that such synergy would enhance tax administration efficiency and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

    Adedeji made this statement on Thursday when he hosted the NIESV leadership, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, at the Revenue House in Abuja.

    According to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser on media to the FIRS chairman, the collaboration between the two entities is vital to achieving FIRS’ mandate of assessing, collecting, and accounting for revenue accruing to the Federation.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s Tax Reforms explained in layman’s language

    “The collaboration between FIRS and your association cannot be overemphasized because your output is one of our main inputs. This enhances our effectiveness as a tax-administering body,” Adedeji said.

    He stressed the importance of accurate asset valuation and proper documentation in enabling effective tax assessment, particularly in areas like Capital Gains Tax. He then proposed formalizing the partnership through a memorandum of understanding between the FIRS and NIESV.

    Alonge, in his remarks, pledged the expertise of NIESV members to ensure compliance and accurate remittance of Capital Gains Tax. He noted that government revenue is often lost due to inaccurate asset valuation and assured that the association was ready to bridge this gap.

    “We are willing to bring our expertise to the table for determining accurate values of taxable properties and assets, ensuring appropriate taxes are placed on them,” Alonge said.

    He commended the modern reforms in tax administration under Adedeji’s leadership, describing them as transformative and instrumental in positioning FIRS as a taxpayer-centric service provider.

  • NLNG gets FIRS’ most compliant taxpayer award

    NLNG gets FIRS’ most compliant taxpayer award

    NLNG has received the prestigious award of Most Compliant Taxpayer by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the 2024 FIRS Day during the Lagos International Trade Fair.

    This recognition is part of the FIRS Compliant Taxpayer Award and Recognition Programme, designed to acknowledge companies that consistently meet their tax obligations, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s economy.

    NLNG External Relations General Manager, Sophia Horsfall disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

     According to the statement, the award marks a significant achievement for NLNG, following the Company’s receipt of the FIRS Most Supportive Taxpayer Award in 2021. The 2021 recognition was conveyed by FIRS, commending the top-performing taxpayers for their compliance, which helped the service surpass its tax collection target.

    In a statement, the FIRS commended NLNG for its consistent and exemplary adherence to tax laws, emphasising the Company’s contributions to national development. The service highlighted NLNG’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its tax responsibilities, recognising the Company’s exceptional compliance with tax regulations and its role in the broader economic growth of the country.

    The award was received by Titi Horsfall, Head of Editorial and Digital Content, on behalf of the Company.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Familoni wins 2024 NLNG $100,000 prize

    Speaking on the announcement, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshebila, noted that the recognition coincides with a milestone for NLNG, marking its 35th anniversary of incorporation and the 25th anniversary of successful LNG production in Nigeria. He reaffirmed that this award is a testament to NLNG’s long-standing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development, particularly in the energy sector.

    “We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service. It reflects the dedication of our Board, management, and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that NLNG remains a responsible corporate entity. This award also reinforces our ongoing commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy.”

    He further emphasised that NLNG’s commitment to compliance is integral to the Company’s mission to be a global leader in energy, driving not only Nigeria’s energy sector forward but also contributing to the improvement of lives through responsible business practices.