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  • Makinde, FIRS boss urge humane approach to taxing informal sector

    Makinde, FIRS boss urge humane approach to taxing informal sector

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, have called for a humane and strategic approach in efforts to expand Nigeria’s tax net to include the informal sector.

    Speaking at the opening of the 157th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) held at The Jagz Hotel, Iyaganku, Ibadan, both leaders emphasised the need for understanding and collaboration rather than coercion in widening the tax base.

    Themed “Taxation of the Informal Sector: Potentials and Challenges,” the two-day meeting brings together top tax administrators, policy makers, and key stakeholders from across the country to discuss ways of integrating the informal economy into Nigeria’s taxation system.

    In his opening remarks, Governor Makinde noted that the informal sector is the backbone of the local economy and must be engaged using technology and empathy for meaningful outcomes.

    “We must develop modalities that foster partnership with the informal sector,” Makinde said. “Taxation should not be about enforcement alone. It must be about understanding, support, and empowerment so that those in the informal economy can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

    FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji echoed similar sentiments, urging tax stakeholders to adopt inclusive strategies that encourage voluntary compliance and ensure the sustainability of the nation’s revenue generation efforts.

    Makinde also reiterated his administration’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with inclusive economic growth while highlighting the significance of the state’s recent initiatives that have improved on its revenue generation drive.

    Makinde said, “This theme is timely, but it must also be aligned with the real work that we are currently doing in your various states and across Nigeria to improve the tax system, especially as you are trying to find solutions to the informal sector. I have listened to the chairman of the JTB. He’s on, I guess, well, formalise the sector, and then you can tax them.

    “But you are all here with diverse experiences, and then you can sit down and talk. Find out what the best path forward is. How do you balance the challenges that have been identified? And also, how do we look forward? I have heard people talk about, oh, in Nigeria, we do not have any reason or any need to have any challenge with poverty.

    “This is a rich country. Yes, we are rich in natural resources, but it’s a poor country, because economic prosperity cannot be based only on our natural resources. For you to have economic prosperity, you must ensure that you go out there, mobilise your people.

    “You must have knowledge and skills. And you must also have intensive production. You must produce something. That is when you can move from being resource-rich to economic prosperity.

    “To move away from federal allocation to generating incomes, having productivity at the local level. So in our state, we are not just talking about expanding the tax net. We are actively ensuring that people are productive.

    “And then we are moving the revenue base of the state forward. We recognise that the informal sector, made up of traders, artisans, commercial drivers, and small businesses, forms the backbone of our local economy.

    “Historically undertaxed, this segment has not become a focus of strategic action.”

    He urged the participants to seize the opportunity of the meeting to come out with a framework that will not cause pain to the informal sector. He also listed his expectations from the experts and stakeholders after the meeting.

    “So you spend the next two days challenging yourselves. And I do hope that you come up with a solution. We are taking concrete steps to bring more people into the tax net without burdening them unnecessarily. So our initiatives include mass tax education, where you let people know you want to pay for these services.

    “We have to find a way to pay for it. Also, simplified processes, where you can stay in the corner of your business premises and pay your taxes there. And also incentive-linked compliance. So, we encourage people to have voluntary tax compliance for benefits, such as access to employment schemes and credit facilities.

    “We have a lot to do. And that is why I am particularly hopeful about the outcome of this meeting. So in the next two days, I look forward to hearing about further proven methods of capturing revenue from highly mobile individuals and how to track informal businesses, and how that will work side by side with formalisation of the informal sector.

    “I also like to hear the solution from this room as it regards ways to deepen partnership with stakeholders like the transport union and the market association. Also, I look forward to innovations in using data and technology to track and support informal businesses without excessive bureaucracy. So this forum is an opportunity to exchange ideas on how to move from intent to impact across states and sectors.

    “In our state, we are committed to continuous improvement. We are also, like Femi said, strengthening the capacity of our state board of internal revenue to manage compliance more effectively with empathy and fairness. The future of taxation, especially of the informal sector, depends on how well we balance enforcement with understanding”, the governor added.

    Earlier in his welcome address, FIRS Chairman, who also doubles as the JTB Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, acknowledged Oyo State’s pioneering role in national development and tax administration.

    He noted that the informal sector accounts for 92.6 percent of Nigeria’s employed population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), emphasising the sector’s critical importance in Nigeria’s economic structure.

    Adedeji stated that the JTB, currently transitioning to the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) with expanded scope and responsibilities, would continue to harmonise and modernise tax systems nationwide.

    He cautioned against any attempt of adding tax burden on the poor and charged the meeting to focus on conceiving strategies to formalize the informal sector before any tax attempt.

    He said, “Our meeting here provides the right platform to brainstorm innovative and equitable ways of bringing the informal sector into the tax net without alienating or overburdening it,” Adedeji noted.

    While stressing that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is concerned about the well-being of operators of the informal sector, noting that the ongoing efforts to capture the players into the taxable net are to properly organise the sector for effective economic planning and not to tax them.

    Also speaking earlier, Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Femi Awakan who also spoke on the state’s tax reforms and challenges reported that Oyo state’s IGR has grown from N1.6 billion per month in 2019 to about N8.5 billion per month in Q1 2025, which according to him marked a 240 percent increase over the same quarter.

    Read Also: Unpaid ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, others

    Despite these gains, Awakan highlighted key challenges affecting tax administration, including inadequate public investment, limited institutional autonomy, technological gaps, and poor tax culture as he called for greater financial and operational independence for revenue services and investments in data-driven and technology-enabled tax systems.

    He said, “We must reach the unreached, capture the untouched and tax the sector once considered negligible,” Awakan said. “But we must also ask: How do we do this without stirring the hornet’s nest or being tagged anti-masses?”

    In a sideline interview, the Executive Secretary of the JTB, Olusegun Adesokan, assured that stakeholders will exhaustively brainstorm and come up with resolutions that will form a robust template that will enhance the nation’s economy.

  • FIRS demands apology over invasion of offices by FCTA officials

    FIRS demands apology over invasion of offices by FCTA officials

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has faulted the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it described as an “embarrassing invasion” of two of its offices in Abuja by FCTA officials over alleged non-payment of ground rent.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the FIRS expressed outrage at the enforcement action taken by FCTA officials, who reportedly sealed off FIRS offices located at No. 12 and No. 14 Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

    The tax authority described the action as unjustified and said it was carried out in error, insisting that the alleged debt had been settled long before the incident.

    According to the Director of Facility Management at the FIRS, Mr. Tyofa Abeghe, the Service received a demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) in September 2023 requesting payment for ground rent covering 25 years on the properties in question.

    He stated that FIRS responded within three months by paying a total of N2,364,003.26, which covered the outstanding rent from the year 2000 to 2024.

    Abeghe added that although payment was made promptly, no treasury receipt was issued to confirm the transaction. Frustrated by the lack of acknowledgement, the FIRS sent a follow-up letter dated February 19, 2024, seeking confirmation and an official receipt for the payment. According to him, the letter was duly acknowledged at the front desk of AGIS but was never responded to.

    “This action by the FCTA is unjustifiable,” Abeghe said. “We honoured the demand notice, made the payment, and followed up to get a receipt. Instead of resolving the matter administratively, they chose to storm our offices and seal them.”

    Read Also: Unpaid ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, others

    Reacting further, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure to the FIRS, Kunle Ogidi, criticised the conduct of the FCTA officials, describing it as a clear case of administrative negligence. He maintained that if due diligence had been carried out, it would have revealed that the payment was already made.

    “As a law-abiding agency, FIRS does not owe ground rent on any of its properties in the FCT, including the ones targeted by this action,” Ogidi said.

    On his part, the FIRS Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, questioned the logic behind the FCTA’s claims. “FIRS has about seven offices in Sokode Crescent alone. Why would we pay ground rent on some and refuse to pay on just two? Does that make sense?” he asked.

    He reiterated that the payment of N2,364,003.26 was made to cover the fiscal years in question and that the failure of the relevant FCTA agency to issue a receipt should not be grounds for public embarrassment of a federal institution.

    FIRS is demanding a formal apology from the FCTA for the incident, insisting that the sealing of its offices was not only unnecessary but also damaging to inter-agency collaboration and public trust.

  • Unpaid ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, others

    Unpaid ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, others

    The Federal Capital Administration (FCTA) on Monday sealed the premises of the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, and Total Energy in Wuse over unpaid ground rent.

    The Director of Land, FCTA, Chijoke Nwankwoeze, explained during the exercise that the properties have reverted to the FCTA.

    Nwankwoeze said that the exercise marks the commencement of taking possession of more than 4,794 revoked properties by the FCTA.

    He explained that the FIRS building, located in Wuse Zone 5, owed the FCTA ground rent for 25 years.

    Nwankwoeze added that the Access Bank building, on Plot No. 2456, Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja, belonged to Rana Tahir Furniture Nig. Ltd, and had not paid ground rent for 34 years.

    He said that the property has thus reverted to the FCTA, which has now taken possession thereof.

    Earlier, the enforcement team sealed Total Energy on plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, over unpaid ground rent for more than 10 years.

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

    The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said that the action was to take possession of the property, which had been revoked in March.

    Galadima recalled that the FCTA has announced its decision to take possession of the more than 4,000 revoked properties in the territory for non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

    “So, today is just to comply with what we have said that we are going to take over all the revoked properties, and we are starting with a plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 that Wuse Zone 1, owned by Total PLC,” he said. 

  • FIRS berates FCTA over office closure, denies owing rent

    FIRS berates FCTA over office closure, denies owing rent

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for shutting down one of its offices in Abuja, describing the move as “malicious” and “unprofessional.”

    In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi, technical assistant on broadcast media to the FIRS Executive chairman, accused the FCTA of unjustly targeting the agency.

    “It’s so unprofessional of the FCTA to close our office, distracting staff from going about their duties when we did nothing wrong,” Atoyebi said. “Especially in a crucial week like this, when we are looking forward to signing the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you goofed big time — FIRS isn’t owing you.”

    She further alleged that the FCTA was attempting to make the FIRS a scapegoat. “If you are looking for a fall guy, please move further,” she added. “We shouldn’t be your scapegoat when you know well that the lies you spread in the media and your malicious/illegal actions will hurt our operations.”

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

    According to the FIRS, the agency has no outstanding rent liabilities to the FCTA, maintaining that it has settled all obligations up to 2023. “We have the evidence,” Atoyebi stated, firmly denying claims of indebtedness.

    The confrontation comes at a sensitive time as Nigeria anticipates the finalisation of crucial tax reform legislation. The FIRS warned that such disruptions could erode public trust and derail the implementation of key fiscal policies.

    Observers have raised concerns that ongoing friction between government agencies could undermine effective service delivery and heighten institutional tensions.

  • FIRS launches radio campaign to simplify taxation

    FIRS launches radio campaign to simplify taxation

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has unveiled a grassroots radio sensitisation programme aimed at simplifying tax education and boosting compliance among Nigerians across all walks of life, from market traders to tech entrepreneurs.

    At the launch event held in Abuja on Friday, May 23, top FIRS officials stressed that taxation was not just a civic obligation but a vital contributor to everyday public services.

    Dr Abdullahi Ismaila, Director of the Communication and Liaison Department, emphasised the need to break down complex tax processes for informal and underserved sectors.

    READ ALSO: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    “The average market woman needs to understand what Tax Pro Max is. She needs to know how to get a Tax Clearance Certificate and understand e-invoicing,” he said, highlighting the technical issues the agency plans to simplify using radio broadcasts in local languages and Pidgin.

    “We’re counting on radio service providers to help raise the level of awareness,” he said, adding that feedback from listeners would shape future content.

    On her part, Dr Loveth Ononuga, Director of Taxpayers’ Service Department, responded to scepticism about whether taxes are truly serving the people.

    “You drove on a road to get here. Did the road just make itself? It’s taxpayer money,” she said emphatically.

    She explained that salaries of police officers, military equipment, and even hospitals are funded by taxes.

    According to her, many citizens overlook the visible outcomes of their contributions.

  • FIRS launches radio campaign to simplify taxation

    FIRS launches radio campaign to simplify taxation

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has unveiled a grassroots radio sensitisation programme aimed at simplifying tax education and boosting compliance among Nigerians across all walks of life, from market traders to tech entrepreneurs.

    At the launch event held in Abuja on Friday, May 23, top FIRS officials stressed that taxation is not just a civic obligation but a vital contributor to everyday public services.

    Dr Abdullahi Ismaila, Director of the Communication and Liaison Department, emphasised the need to break down complex tax processes for informal and underserved sectors. 

    “The average market woman needs to understand what Tax Pro Max is. She needs to know how to get a Tax Clearance Certificate and understand e-invoicing,” he said, highlighting the technical issues the agency plans to simplify using radio broadcasts in local languages and Pidgin.

    “We’re counting on radio service providers to help raise the level of awareness,” he said, adding that feedback from listeners will shape future content.

    On her part, Dr Loveth Ononuga, Director of Taxpayers’ Service Department, responded to scepticism about whether taxes are truly serving the people. 

    READ ALSO: FG, UNESCO partner to tackle AI misuse, deepfakes on social media — Minister 

    “You drove on a road to get here. Did the road just make itself? It’s taxpayer money,” she said emphatically.

    She explained that salaries of police officers, military equipment, and even hospitals are funded by taxes.

    According to her, many citizens overlook the visible outcomes of their contributions. 

    “TETFund projects in schools? That’s taxpayers’ money. VAT? 85% of it is shared with states and local governments,” she said, promising that FIRS will begin developing content that highlights how these funds are used.

    Meanwhile, Mr Olaolu Makinde, Head of the Technical Office, focused on the role of the media. 

    He urged reporters and advocacy groups to promote tax education, hold leaders accountable, and help the public understand Nigeria’s tax structure.

    On the other hand, the event host, Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi, technical assistant on broadcast media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, underlined the importance of radio. 

    “We are very intentional about our radio programmes because people in the grassroots majorly listen to radio,” she said. 

    Atoyebi urged service providers to maintain professionalism. 

    “Tax reporting is very technical… a single word can mar everything you say,” she warned, pledging ongoing collaboration and support from the FIRS leadership.

    As the FIRS seeks to turn the tide on public perception and compliance, their message is clear: taxation funds the roads, the police, the schools—and through radio, that message is reaching the people it matters to most.

  • We’ve FIRS to thank for Nigeria’s fiscal stability — RMAFC

    We’ve FIRS to thank for Nigeria’s fiscal stability — RMAFC

    The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has described the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the cash cow responsible for the fiscal sustainability of the three tiers of government.

    RMAFC member, Bimbo Kolade, who doubles as the commission’s Inland Revenue Monitoring Committee (IRMC) chairman, said this in Abuja on Tuesday during the inauguration of a joint FIRS-RMAFC Technical Committee at the FIRS headquarters.

    A statement by Sikiru Akinola, Technical Assistant on Media to the FIRS chairman quoted Kolade as stating that federal, state and local governments are able to make projections and execute projects because of the assurance of steady revenue which comes mainly from tax revenue collected by FIRS and shared monthly at the Federation Allocation Account Committee meeting.

    In 2024, FIRS tax revenue accounted for about 65 per cent of the total money shared by the three tiers of government, thus making tax as the pivotal source of revenue instead of crude oil sales by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Commending the FIRS chairman, Kolade explained that “if not for the wonderful job Dr Zacch Adedeji has been doing since September 2023 at the Service, Nigerians may have been crying a little more with what we have passed through.

    “With your dedication, commitment and stellar performance, we can see that the country has been the better for it. I also want to congratulate Dr Adedeji on the success of the Tax Reform Bills.

    “We could see the initial misunderstanding that came with the Bills— even the little between RMAFC and FIRS on the issue of VAT allocation and the rest of them. But then, because of the kind of person the FIRS chairman is, he called our chairman, and it was resolved.”

    Speaking on the function of IRMC, Kolade explained that it was saddled with the responsibility of monitoring all accruals that come into the federation accounts.  

    “At RMAFC, we have various committees that oversee various parts of government organisations that we need to monitor. One of the federal agencies is FIRS. This IRMC was put in place to monitor tax revenue by ensuring that all taxes such as Value-Added Tax (VAT), Companies Income Tax (CIT) and the rest are properly collected and remitted into the federation accounts.

    The FIRS boss who inaugurated the joint committee, said the visit of the RMAFC team was not only a gesture of goodwill but also a testament to the long-standing and strategic relationship between the two institutions.

    He explained that the two agencies are linked by shared responsibilities in Nigeria’s fiscal architecture. 

    “While we at FIRS are charged with the collection of revenue, particularly non-oil taxes, RMAFC plays a vital role in ensuring that the revenues generated are monitored, properly accounted for, and equitably distributed in line with constitutional provisions.

    “Our collaboration over the years has been built on mutual respect, professionalism, and a common objective: to enhance the fiscal sustainability of the Nigerian state. RMAFC’s work in monitoring revenue and advising on fiscal allocation directly supports our efforts to build a more robust and transparent tax system.

    Adedeji said that the visit RMAFC’s visit was significant as it presented an opportunity for both institutions “to reflect on our shared progress, identify areas for improvement, and chart a forward-looking path toward even more impactful collaboration.”

    “As Nigeria seeks to diversify its revenue sources and reduce its dependence on oil, the roles of FIRS and RMAFC become even more critical. It is against this backdrop that we welcome this engagement—not just as a courtesy, but as a strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening our institutional partnership.”

    Revealing that the cooperation between the two agencies have yielded several positive outcomes, Adedeji said that “through information sharing, data verification exercises, and joint revenue monitoring initiatives, we have contributed meaningfully to improved revenue accountability at the federal level.

    “RMAFC’s insights have helped shape policy decisions, while our work at FIRS in improving tax administration has directly supported the Commission’s monitoring and allocation functions. The synergy has also led to better forecasting and fiscal planning at the national level.

    “However, we know there is still much to be done. Going forward, we must explore ways to institutionalise our collaboration through a more structured framework that addresses the issue of functional overlaps such as duplication of effort, conflicting priorities or objectives, communication breakdowns and role confusion.

    “This framework will be one that includes regular inter-agency strategy meetings, joint research and analytics, and technology-driven data integration.

    “It should also define clear roles, set common goals and monitor progress.  The benefits will be improved collaboration, increased efficiency and enhanced innovation,” Adedeji said.

  • Minister inaugurates FIRS gender desk, advocates equality

    Minister inaugurates FIRS gender desk, advocates equality

    Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said that gender equality is not a favour, but a necessity, a development imperative, and a cornerstone of sustainable progress.

    She spoke at the launch of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Gender Desk and Women Network (WoN) in Abuja.

    The minister described the launch as “a defining moment” in Nigeria’s gender equity journey.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the FIRS Chairman, Dr Zach Adedeji, for his visionary leadership in institutionalising gender-responsive structures.

    She stressed that fiscal institutions must be people-focused, inclusive, and representative.

    The minister underscored her ministry’s mandate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to empower 10 million women by 2027 and build a gender-equitable economy valued at $1 trillion.

    “FIRS is not just collecting taxes,” she affirmed.

    “FIRS is investing in Nigeria’s future.”

    The minister reiterated the importance of the National Gender Policy (2021–2026) and Nigeria’s global commitments, such as the Beijing Declaration, calling for practical implementation through gender-responsive budgeting, inclusive recruitment, and the promotion of women into leadership roles.

    Addressing members of the newly formed Women Network, she issued a passionate call to action: “You are now torchbearers. Rise boldly, mentor with determination, advocate strategically, and deliver relentlessly.”

    Read Also: Zacch Adedeji and FIRS’s TaxPro-Max

    The minister applauded the FIRS Board and Management for setting a national benchmark and pledged full support in building a Nigeria where, in her words, “no girl is unseen, no woman is unheard, and no dream is impossible.”

    She thanked the FIRS boss for building an institution that understood that companies, agencies, and countries that embraced gender equity were more innovative, more competitive, and more resilient.

    “You are proving that fiscal systems are not just about revenue, but also about people, about dignity, about equity, about nation-building,” she said.

    Dr. Adedeji described the inauguration of the desk as a declaration of the service’s resolve to embed equity at the heart of its operations.

    Adedeji, who was represented by Dr Dick Irri, the Coordinating Director, Medium and Government Taxpayers Group (M&GTG, FIRS) said the initiative would help to drive inclusive public service.

    He believes it would position gender equality as a constitutional right and as a strategic imperative in governance, especially within the Nigerian tax system.

    “Today marks a pivotal milestone, not only in the evolution of our institution, but in reaffirming our national commitment to the ideals of gender equity and inclusive governance.”

  • Workers’ Day: FIRS staff experiencing better under Dr. Zacch Adedeji

    Workers’ Day: FIRS staff experiencing better under Dr. Zacch Adedeji

    By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi

    Another Workers Day is unto us, and it’s a good time to ask ourselves some questions. What does this day mean to Nigerian workers? Is it just about sharing posters and saying “well done” online, or is it a time to look closely at what has changed in our workplaces? Are workers better off today than they were last year or the previous? Are they seen, heard, and treated with respect? These are the questions, especially for those in positions of leadership. 

    Staff at the Federal Inland Revenue Service under the leadership of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, across the country are not just celebrating the day for its own sake. There is a genuine reason to celebrate. 

    Thousands of these workers are coming together in appreciation of a work environment that is safer, more supportive, and far more rewarding than it used to be. People are not just showing up to do their jobs; they are showing up with purpose, pride, and a sense of belonging.

    For 70 years, FIRS held on to the same tradition. Celebrations were routine and staff progression was a tough, tiring journey. Promotions came with fear, not hope. It was a system that drained more than it rewarded. But last year, everything changed. We saw something different. 

    For the first time in decades, staff could experience better. Dr. Zacch brought about the much-needed change, a new era. He introduced a performance-based system that made promotion fair and easy. People finally felt seen.

    That one decision has reshaped the workplace. Staff now carry themselves with confidence and pride. There is a renewed sense of purpose in how they work, and it is no longer just about fulfilling a role. 

    The atmosphere across FIRS offices reflects this change. People contribute more and believe in what they do because leadership has finally prioritized their well-being and ensured they are rewarded for their hard work. Workers are seeing the results of their efforts in improved take-home and thoughtful policies that make life more stable. 

    Read Also: $79.5b loss: FIRS prays court to dismiss Binance’s application to vacate order

    The Tax Boss understands that when people are treated right, they give their best without being asked.

    This year’s Workers’ Day message from the Tax Boss was more than just a formality. It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the dedication and resilience that FIRS staff bring to the table every day, contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development. 

    He appreciated the people behind the progress, the men and women whose efforts drive revenue generation, taxpayer engagement, and national development. 

    He also reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to making staff welfare a priority, supporting professional growth, and ensuring a workplace where everyone can succeed. It was a message that echoed what staff already feel, that they matter and their work truly counts in shaping the future of Nigeria.

    As we mark this Workers’ Day in Nigeria, FIRS stands as an example of what is possible when leadership focuses on people. Dr. Zacch’s approach has restored pride in public service and shown that good leadership can make work more meaningful. 

    Happy Workers’ Day.

  • FG tasks FIRS on gender equality in revenue policy, leadership

    FG tasks FIRS on gender equality in revenue policy, leadership

    The federal government has directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to take concrete steps towards institutionalizing gender parity in its policies, operations, and leadership structure.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of the FIRS Gender Desk and Women Network (WoN), Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, tasked the tax authority with ensuring that gender-responsive budgeting becomes a core part of revenue policy formulation. 

    She also called for deliberate efforts to ensure that recruitment, retention, and promotion within the FIRS reflect a drive towards gender balance, while also insisting that women within the institution must have both presence and influence at decision-making levels.

    “Our expectation is that the FIRS Gender Desk and Women Network must be transformative in implementation,” she said. “The stakes are very high. Women business owners continue to face barriers in accessing finance, markets, and economic resources. Only 47 percent of women in Nigeria have a bank account, compared to 58 percent of men.”

    She described the FIRS Women Network as a collective voice for leadership, excellence, and professional impact. 

    “To the women of the FIRS Women Network, you are the torchbearers. What you are forming is a powerhouse. My charge to you is to rise boldly, mentor with determination, advocate strategically, and deliver relentlessly,” the minister said.

    Read Also: FIRS orders banks to close unauthorised tax collection accounts

    Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, represented by the Coordinating Director of the Medium and Government Taxpayers Group, Dr. Dick Irri, ordered the immediate adoption of gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting across the agency’s TaxProMax platform and relevant departments. 

    This move, according to him, will enhance the inclusiveness and responsiveness of Nigeria’s tax administration.

    He also directed the integration of gender-responsive planning and budgeting across the Service’s key functions, including Policy, Finance & Accounts, Planning, Research, and Statistics. “Every program, resource allocation, and impact assessment must be viewed through the lens of gender equality,” he said.

    Dr. Adedeji urged internal and external stakeholders to partner with the FIRS in developing a nationally recognized definition of women-owned and women-led businesses. 

    He said the collaboration should involve the Ministries of Women Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and that the agreed definitions must be embedded into business registration and regulatory processes.

    Adedeji challenged the FIRS to aspire toward achieving the UNDP Global Gender Equality Seal and become a model for gender-responsive governance on the African continent.

    Describing the launch of the FIRS Women Network as both “symbolic and strategic,” he noted that the platform would cultivate leadership, foster mentorship, and support the professional growth of women at all levels within the agency. 

    He encouraged female staff to fully embrace the initiative, and called on their male counterparts to actively support its success.