The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have renewed their commitment to deepen collaboration in order to strengthen Nigeria’s tax compliance framework and safeguard public revenue.
The move represents another step in the federal government’s efforts to curb leakages and foster voluntary tax compliance among citizens and businesses.
During a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining financial stability and building public trust in the country’s tax system.
“We cannot pursue 200 million Nigerians individually to do the right thing, but we want to put a system in place that will aid compliance. You can help us by letting people know that when they violate the law, there is a place you can keep them. On behalf of the President and Nigerians, we thank you for your support and seek even deeper cooperation,” Adedeji said.
He stressed that the most effective driver of voluntary compliance is visible evidence of how tax revenues are applied. According to him, when taxpayers see investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education funded by their taxes, they are more likely to comply willingly.
“The main advertisement of voluntary compliance is when people begin to see what we use the money we collect for. In achieving that goal, you are critical, not just in arresting defaulters but in supporting our Department of Fraud Risk, Assessment and Control to ensure value for money,” he said.
Adedeji further highlighted the role of preventive strategies and partnerships in achieving Nigeria’s revenue goals. He noted that the agency’s recent success in meeting its revenue target was not a unilateral achievement but the product of collective efforts with enforcement partners like the EFCC.
