FIRS Generates N8.5trn In Nine Months
…As Adedeji Takes Over From Nami
(Business Africa Digest)-The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has generated the sum of N8.5trn for the federation between January 1 and September 14 this year, the outgoing Executive Chairman of the Service, Muhammad Nami has said.
Nami disclosed this Monday in Abuja during the handover ceremony to the incoming Acting Chairman of the Service, Mr Zach Adedeji.
Adedeji was appointed last week by President Bola Tinubu to take charge of the affairs of the Service.
Speaking at the event, Nami said he has implemented reforms that had reposition the operations of the FIRS in line with the mandate given to him when he took over in December 2019.
According to him, the FIRS has been able to boost government revenue to the extent that over 70 per cent of the funds shared during the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee comes from tax collection.
Speaking after taking over from Nami, the new FIRS boss Mr Zacch Adedeji said the nation is confronted with a pressing revenue crisis, with a staggering 96% of government revenue being funnelled into servicing our debts.
He noted that the current reality necessitates swift and resolute action on the part of the service and cannot afford to delay, adding that “we must act decisively to reverse this concerning trend”.
According to him, the service is determined to align itself with President Bola Tinubu’s esteemed Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, stressing that the “collaboration will enable us to shape a prosperous fiscal landscape that empowers our nation’s growth and development”.
“As we chart our course ahead, FIRS is committed to placing innovation, technology, and fresh ideas at the forefront of our operations. This strategic focus will empower us to enhance efficiency, fortify against revenue leaks, and bolster coordination and accountability within our organization”.
He said his goal is to nurture voluntary tax compliance by establishing a modern, dependable tax system that garners the trust and admiration of all stakeholders, adding that the development will Create an environment where taxpayers willingly fulfil their civic duties.
