FIRS strengthens stakeholders engagement to drive voluntary compliance
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is ramping up its engagement with stakeholders as part of a broader strategy to encourage voluntary compliance among Nigerian taxpayers.
In a statement released by Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy, it was made clear that the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, is placing a strong focus on fostering a culture of voluntary compliance rather than relying on enforcement tactics.
According to Omokaro, this shift is particularly targeted at individuals and businesses in the emerging taxpayer bracket. The idea is to ensure that people are not only informed but also empowered to meet their tax obligations confidently and independently.
The ultimate aim, he said, is to create a tax administration model in Nigeria that is grounded in voluntary cooperation—one that thrives on regular engagement, public education, and the cultivation of mutual trust between the tax authority and the public.
Omokaro remarked that the latest stakeholder interaction underlines the agency’s determination to strengthen relationships with taxpayers, simplify the tax process, and steer the administration in a direction that puts taxpayers’ needs first.
He noted, “The direction of the current administration is clear—our tax reforms must be rooted in transparency, partnership, and technology. These are key to making tax compliance simpler for both individuals and businesses.”
He further explained that such engagements present an opportunity to address lingering concerns, dispel myths, and nurture a deeper sense of trust and cooperation between the FIRS and those it serves.
Referring to the recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, Omokaro pointed out that a central theme of the discussions was the pressing need for greater awareness among emerging taxpayers, especially those operating within the informal sector. He observed that many small businesses and independent professionals remain outside the tax net, largely due to a lack of clarity about their responsibilities.
“FIRS is addressing this through wider-reaching taxpayer education campaigns, stronger partnerships with tax professionals, and the use of technology to make compliance as seamless as possible,” he said. “We believe that when people are given the tools and understanding they need, they are more likely to comply voluntarily. That approach builds a more resilient economy and inspires confidence in the system.”
Omokaro also spoke about the FIRS 2025 Strategic Roadmap, which was a focal point of the meeting. This roadmap, built around three pillars—Capacity Building & Training, Technology Advancement, and Facility & Infrastructure Enhancement—sets out a clear framework for transforming tax administration in Nigeria.
He noted that both FIRS staff and taxpayers will benefit from this approach, which aims to ensure everyone is properly equipped with the skills and tools necessary to navigate the tax landscape more efficiently.
“More than just educating taxpayers, the engagement also underscored the importance of close collaboration with tax practitioners,” Omokaro added. “Their support is essential in demystifying the process of compliance and helping taxpayers meet their obligations without confusion or delay.”
The session also created space to recognise some of the country’s top taxpayers for 2024, celebrating their vital contributions to national revenue and promoting a stronger culture of compliance.
The engagement brought together a range of important stakeholders, including representatives from the FCT Emerging Taxpayer Department, the Revenue Account Department, the FCT Tax Practitioners Association, and the Maitama Emerging Taxpayers Office, alongside members of the FIRS TaxPro Max team.
Such interactions are seen as crucial in closing the feedback loop between taxpayers and the revenue agency—laying the foundation for smarter policies and better service delivery across the board.
