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  • FIRS weekend opening: A public office with a difference 

    FIRS weekend opening: A public office with a difference 

    By Arabinrin Aderonke 

    In Nigeria, it is believed and widely accepted that weekends belong to the people. They are for markets, family time, and catching up on everything the busy week couldn’t accommodate. That is why when a government agency announces that it will open its offices on weekends, it naturally draws attention. It is rare. 

    What the public is more used to are stories of agencies that barely function within the usual five working days. That is what makes the new step by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), under the leadership of Executive Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji, commendable. From June 14 to 29, FIRS offices nationwide will be open on Saturdays and Sundays to provide tax services to Nigerians.

    This is not a publicity stunt. It is a timely response to a pressing need. With the Companies Income Tax filing deadline approaching, many individuals and businesses are trying to meet their obligations before June 30, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

    For those who cannot afford to leave work or close their shops during the week, this weekend window is a lifeline. It offers flexibility. It removes pressure. And most importantly, it reflects something we do not see often enough in public service: consideration.

    This new development is not limited to select branches. It covers all relevant FIRS offices under the Large Taxpayers Group, Government and Medium Taxpayers Group, and Emerging Taxpayers Group. From Lagos Island to Kwara, from city centers to smaller towns, offices will be open and ready to serve. What this means is that more Nigerians regardless of where they live or work can now walk in on a weekend and get things done. The success of this weekend’s policy shows a deliberate leadership style rooted in institutional reform. 

    Read Also: FIRS adopts new model to drive voluntary tax compliance

    Since assuming office in 2023, the Tax Boss has focused not only on revenue performance but also on building internal capacity. Staff remuneration has been improved. Promotions are now based on clearly defined performance benchmarks. Employee welfare has received renewed attention. These reforms have promoted a more motivated workforce, a fact acknowledged by staff during this year’s Workers’ Day commemorations. This internal restructuring is quietly enhancing the quality of public service delivery across the agency.

    At the same time, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is pursuing a progressive national revenue target of ₦25.2 trillion for 2025, following a record ₦21.6 trillion in 2024. Rather than relying on pressure tactics or reactive measures, the agency is investing in scalable infrastructure and technology.

     Through initiatives such as the TaxPro Max platform and the establishment of more accessible satellite offices, FIRS is demonstrating its commitment to inclusion, efficiency, and voluntary compliance. The weekend extension is consistent with this broader agenda, offering a practical model of how public institutions can be both responsive and forward-thinking.

    Well done, Nigeria. Well done for expecting better. Well done for valuing service. Well done for holding systems to a higher standard. Well done to Dr. Zacch for proving that leadership can listen, act, and make a real difference. This is not just about convenience. It is about moving forward in ways that matter. Let’s build on this.

    –Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service

  • FIRS engages tax experts on 2024 withholding tax reforms

    FIRS engages tax experts on 2024 withholding tax reforms

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has engaged stakeholder to focus on the practical implementation of the 2024 Withholding Tax (WHT) Regulations.

    The engagement attracted a cross-section of professionals, including tax consultants, representatives of professional bodies, and compliance experts, to discuss the nuances of the recently revised WHT framework. 

    A statement from the FIRS said the forum provided an avenue for participants to directly interface with the FIRS, seek clarification on technical provisions of the new regulations, and propose ideas to improve practical implementation.

    According to the FIRS, the WHT reform is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s tax modernization efforts, aimed at improving clarity, streamlining compliance, and aligning tax practices with international standards. It is also expected to reduce the administrative burden on taxpayers—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—and ensure more consistent practices among withholding agents.

    Tax consultants present at the session welcomed the engagement as both timely and impactful. They commended the FIRS for initiating open dialogue on the WHT guidelines and noted that such consultations are critical to bridging the gap between tax policy and everyday practice. Some practitioners pointed to the new regulation’s potential in promoting better compliance and easing the burden of deductions, particularly for smaller businesses.

    The FIRS, in turn, urged consultants and advisers to support their clients with accurate information and to serve as feedback channels for future tax reforms. By encouraging a two-way exchange, the Service aims to promote mutual accountability and improve overall tax outcomes.

    Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Mr. Collins Osagie Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, said the forum exemplifies the leadership’s approach to building a taxpayer-centric administration.

    “The Executive Chairman has made it clear that effective tax administration must be built on dialogue and understanding. These forums provide us with an opportunity to offer clarity, listen to feedback, and work collaboratively with taxpayers to improve outcomes. That is how we build trust and ensure long-term compliance,” Omokaro said.

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    The FIRS honoured top-performing taxpayers who have consistently fulfilled their tax obligations. This gesture, the Service said, is part of its drive to promote transparency, civic responsibility, and reward exemplary compliance.

    As the country moves toward a more modern and inclusive tax regime, the FIRS has reaffirmed its dedication to taxpayer education, collaborative policymaking, and service excellence. The Service said ongoing reforms, including the WHT guidelines, are anchored on a broader vision of making Nigeria’s tax system more transparent, predictable, and efficient for all categories of taxpayers.

    Key sessions during the forum tackled major aspects of the WHT reform, including tax deduction requirements, exemptions, installment payment arrangements, and updated compliance procedures. 

    Participants also received detailed insights into how these changes are designed to simplify the reporting process and create a more efficient and equitable system.

  • FIRS extends tax office operations to weekends in June

    FIRS extends tax office operations to weekends in June

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has extended tax office operations to weekends for the remaining two weeks of June 2025.

    According to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser on media to the FIRS chairman, the initiative, approved by the FIRS chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, is designed to accommodate the increased tax filing activities associated with the peak period for Companies Income Tax (CIT) submissions.

    Under the new arrangement, all tax offices under the Large Taxpayers Group (LTG), Government and Medium Taxpayers Group (GMTG), and Emerging Taxpayers Group (ETG) are to operate from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.

    The weekend service, which began on Friday, June 14, will continue until Sunday, June 29. This measure is aimed at assisting companies whose financial year ended on December 31 and are legally required to submit their annual returns by June 30.

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    In a joint directive issued by the Coordinating Directors of the three tax groups—Ms. Amina Ado (LTG), Dr. Dick Irri (GMTG), and Mr. Kabir Abba (ETG)—FIRS staff were informed of the management’s decision and directed to implement it effectively.

    “To ease the process for taxpayers, enhance service delivery, and maximise tax collection during this critical period, management has approved extension of tax office operations to weekends for June 2025,” the directive stated.

    Since assuming office, Dr. Adedeji has led several reforms within the agency aimed at transforming FIRS into a more efficient and service-oriented institution.

    “The extension of working hours during the CIT filing season reflects the agency’s evolving mandate from simply collecting taxes to facilitating voluntary compliance and improving taxpayer experience across all segments,” Adekanmbi said.

  • FIRS to host public webinar on taxpayer services, fiscal reforms

    FIRS to host public webinar on taxpayer services, fiscal reforms

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), through its Taxpayer Services Department (TPSD) and in collaboration with the Fiscal and Tax Reform Implementation Division (FTRID), has announced a public webinar to engage stakeholders on key taxpayer service initiatives and ongoing fiscal reforms.

    The virtual session is scheduled for Tuesday, 17th June 2025, at 11:00 AM and will be held via Zoom.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zach Adedeji.

    According to the statement, the webinar aims to improve public understanding of recent developments in taxpayer services, explain ongoing reform efforts in Nigeria’s tax system, and offer an open forum for taxpayers, stakeholders, and the general public to interact directly with FIRS officials.

    As part of its commitment to transparency and public engagement, FIRS is encouraging widespread participation. 

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    Interested individuals are urged to join via the Zoom platform as part of the Service’s broader efforts to enhance voluntary compliance and simplify tax administration.

    The agency also called on media organisations to support the initiative by publicising the webinar across traditional and digital channels, to help raise awareness and strengthen ties with taxpayers.

    Details, including the registration link, will be shared soon via FIRS’s official communication platforms.

  • FIRS revises SOP to streamline tax payer services

    FIRS revises SOP to streamline tax payer services

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has revised its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as part of efforts to improve consistency, transparency, and service delivery in tax administration across the country.

    According to a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by Mr. Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communication Strategy and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, the revised SOP offers a unified framework for core tax processes including registration, payment, audit, and enforcement.

    “This is about people, experience, and impact. It’s a step toward a tax system that supports voluntary compliance and national development,” Omokaro said.

    He explained that while FIRS field offices have long operated with good intentions, inconsistent methods across different locations often created confusion for taxpayers.

    The revised SOP, he said, is designed to eliminate such disparities by providing a single, clear roadmap for operations in all of the Service’s over 300 offices nationwide.

    More than just a procedural manual, the new SOP is described as a statement of institutional direction, reflecting values that define the future of the Service.

    Omokaro quoted the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, as saying that “This SOP is not just a technical document—it is a declaration of who we are becoming as a service.

     It reflects our commitment to transparency and service to the Nigerian people.”

    The SOP update is one component of a broader reform agenda underway at FIRS, which aims to transform the agency into a fully service-oriented institution.

    The changes are also aligned with the ongoing digital transformation within the agency, which is intended to harmonize human and technological systems for faster, more reliable, and taxpayer-friendly service delivery.

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    Internally, the SOP is expected to enhance operational efficiency and provide a foundation for improved staff training, clearer guidance, and stronger evaluation systems. Omokaro noted that every FIRS employee is expected to study, implement, and embody the procedures outlined in the new document.

    “With this rollout, every FIRS staff member has a clear mandate: study it, apply it, and embody it. That’s how we’ll earn the trust of Nigerians,” he said.

    The SOP reform is being introduced as part of the Service’s broader mission to reposition itself as a modern tax authority grounded in accountability, consistency, and a shared sense of national purpose.

    The move comes as the FIRS continues to modernize its processes, improve tax collection efficiency, and foster a culture of voluntary compliance—all aimed at strengthening revenue mobilization to support Nigeria’s development agenda.

  • FIRS launches Revised SOP to streamline tax payment

    FIRS launches Revised SOP to streamline tax payment

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has revised its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as part of efforts to improve consistency, transparency, and service delivery in tax administration across the country.

    According to a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mr. Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communication Strategy and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, the revised SOP offers a unified framework for core tax processes including registration, payment, audit, and enforcement.

    “This is about people, experience, and impact. It’s a step toward a tax system that supports voluntary compliance and national development,” Omokaro said.

    He explained that while FIRS field offices have long operated with good intentions, inconsistent methods across different locations often created confusion for taxpayers.

    The revised SOP, he said, is designed to eliminate such disparities by providing a single, clear roadmap for operations in all of the Service’s over 300 offices nationwide.

    More than just a procedural manual, the new SOP is described as a statement of institutional direction, reflecting values that define the future of the Service. 

    Omokaro quoted Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS, as saying that “This SOP is not just a technical document—it is a declaration of who we are becoming as a service. It reflects our commitment to transparency and service to the Nigerian people.”

    The SOP update is one component of a broader reform agenda underway at FIRS, which aims to transform the agency into a fully service-oriented institution. 

    The changes are also aligned with the ongoing digital transformation within the agency, which is intended to harmonize human and technological systems for faster, more reliable, and taxpayer-friendly service delivery.

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    Internally, the SOP is expected to enhance operational efficiency and provide a foundation for improved staff training, clearer guidance, and stronger evaluation systems. Omokaro noted that every FIRS employee is expected to study, implement, and embody the procedures outlined in the new document.

    “With this rollout, every FIRS staff member has a clear mandate: study it, apply it, and embody it. That’s how we’ll earn the trust of Nigerians,” he said.

    The SOP reform is being introduced as part of the Service’s broader mission to reposition itself as a modern tax authority grounded in accountability, consistency, and a shared sense of national purpose.

    The move comes as the FIRS continues to modernize its processes, improve tax collection efficiency, and foster a culture of voluntary compliance—all aimed at strengthening revenue mobilization to support Nigeria’s development agenda.

  • FIRS chairman to new staff: you are co-architects of Nigeria’s fiscal future

    FIRS chairman to new staff: you are co-architects of Nigeria’s fiscal future

    The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has formally welcomed newly employed staff into the Service during an induction programme held on Monday, June 2, 2025. 

    In his keynote address, the Chairman emphasised the critical role of the new employees in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal stability and economic resilience.

    “This marks not just the beginning of your employment, but the start of a profound journey — one in which your talents and commitment will shape the future of Nigeria’s financial architecture,” the Chairman said.

    In a statement released by Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, the Service reiterated its unwavering focus on transforming tax administration through a three-pillar strategy: People, Processes, and Technology. 

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    The statement noted that this strategic framework serves as the operational backbone for enhancing institutional relevance, improving performance, and achieving national impact.

    “Our people are our most valuable asset. The sustainability of all our systems depends on your competence, innovation, and integrity,” the Chairman affirmed. 

    He emphasised the Service’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development, noting that empowered staff are crucial to fostering public trust and enhancing revenue performance.

    He also noted that the FIRS is refining internal processes for greater transparency and accountability while deploying cutting-edge technologies, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, to improve service delivery and compliance. 

    “Technology is not a substitute for competence, but a catalyst that enhances our ability to deliver results with speed and precision,” he said.

    Quoting a Yoruba proverb, the Chairman reminded the new staff that tools and systems are ineffective without competent personnel. 

    “Without your innovation, commitment, and ownership, all tools and systems remain dormant,” he said.

    He concluded by urging the inductees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. 

    “Every action you take reflects not only on you, but on the Service, and ultimately, on the nation.”

  • FIRS launches tax advocacy podcast

    FIRS launches tax advocacy podcast

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has launched a new podcast titled Tax Advocacy Podcast, a bi-weekly broadcast initiative aimed at guiding Nigerians through the country’s evolving tax landscape.

    Anchored by Arabinrin Aderonke Bello, the podcast will serve as an informative platform to deepen public understanding of the services, products, and policies of the FIRS.

    It is also designed to demystify tax matters for the average taxpayer, while strengthening voluntary compliance and fostering a culture of responsible citizenship.

    In each episode, listeners will be taken on a deep dive into the operations of the FIRS, gaining insight into the agency’s strategic direction, innovations in revenue administration, and the critical role taxation plays in national development.

    Experts from within and outside the Service will regularly feature to provide context and analysis on pressing tax-related topics.

    Speaking on the launch, Arabinrin Aderonke Bello stated, “The Tax Advocacy Podcast is more than just a platform for information; it is a voice for transparency, clarity, and engagement.

    Read Also: FIRS berates FCTA over office closure, denies owing rent

    “Our goal is to bridge the communication gap between the FIRS and the people, ensuring that every Nigerian understands how taxes work and why they matter.”

    The FIRS invites members of the public, taxpayers, businesses, and stakeholders to tune in to the podcast and participate in conversations that shape Nigeria’s tax environment.

    The bi-weekly episodes will be available on popular podcast platforms and shared across the official social media handles of the Service.

    This initiative reflects the FIRS’s ongoing commitment to innovation in public engagement and the promotion of tax awareness across all sectors.

  • Informal sector vital to Nigeria’s economy, says FIRS chairman

    Informal sector vital to Nigeria’s economy, says FIRS chairman

    The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the welfare of Nigeria’s informal sector operators, who represent a significant portion of the country’s labour force.

    A statement from the FIRS said Adedeji spoke during the 157th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) held on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State. He drew attention to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicating that workers in the informal sector accounted for 92.6 percent of the total employed population in Nigeria as of the first quarter of 2023.

    The FIRS chairman, who also chairs the Joint Tax Board, linked the recent drop in Nigeria’s unemployment figures to the formal recognition of informal work by the NBS. He used the occasion to call for a collaborative, data-driven approach to bringing structure to the informal economy rather than pursuing aggressive taxation.

    “I will rather support formalisation using accurate data instead of taxing them outright,” Adedeji said. “President Bola Tinubu has been clear: the focus should be on taxing the fruits, not the seeds, so we don’t destroy what people have struggled to build.”

    The JTB meeting, themed “Taxation of the Informal Sector: Potentials and Challenges”, brought together heads of the 36 state Internal Revenue Services to discuss sustainable and inclusive ways of engaging the informal economy.

    Adedeji urged participants to explore innovative strategies that would make it easier for informal sector actors to transition into the formal system, where they can enjoy access to financial services, social security, and legal protections. He also revealed that plans are underway to transform the Joint Tax Board into the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), which will have a broader mandate and operational scope.

    According to him, the proposed JRB will support harmonised, technology-driven tax administration systems that will reduce duplication, streamline taxpayer engagement, and boost overall efficiency.

    The meeting was hosted by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who welcomed the tax administrators and called for collective action to widen Nigeria’s tax net without undermining the resilience of the informal sector.

    Read Also: FIRS chairman driving strategic overhaul to meet N25.2trn revenue target — Aide

    “We must not only be strategic but also humane in our approach,” the governor said. “The objective is not merely to grow revenue, but to uplift and empower those in the informal economy so they can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

    Governor Makinde also shared some of the state’s recent fiscal reforms aimed at increasing internally generated revenue while maintaining a pro-business environment. He noted that balancing fiscal responsibility with inclusive economic growth remains a top priority for his administration.

    The Ibadan gathering marked a critical moment in the country’s fiscal policy dialogue, with a consensus emerging that inclusion and formalisation, rather than enforcement alone, will be key to integrating Nigeria’s vast informal workforce into the tax ecosystem.

    Participants expressed optimism that with coordinated efforts and the strategic use of data, Nigeria can build a more equitable and efficient tax system that supports sustainable development.

  • Abuja office closure: Tinubu meets FIRS chairman

    Abuja office closure: Tinubu meets FIRS chairman

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday held a series of high-level meetings at the State House, Abuja, including a closed-door session with the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

    The meeting came on the heels of a directive by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ordering the sealing of a FIRS office in Abuja over alleged failure to remit ground rent for a period spanning 25 years.

    The action, which sparked strong reactions, prompted a swift response from FIRS.

    In a statement, the revenue agency described the closure as “malicious” and “unprofessional,” criticizing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it deemed a heavy-handed approach to an intergovernmental issue.

    While the presidency has not officially commented on the dispute, sources suggested the meeting between President Tinubu and Dr. Adedeji was aimed at resolving the tension and ensuring smooth inter-agency cooperation in the interest of national revenue generation.

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    Also at the State House, President Tinubu held separate consultations with key cabinet members, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    In another significant engagement, the President met with Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, as well as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye II.

    Okoye recently announced the Commission’s ambitious target of transforming the South East into a $200 billion regional economy by 2035, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the broader vision of achieving a $1 trillion national GDP.