The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Zacch Adedeji, has addressed misconceptions surrounding the proposed tax reforms, clarifying that the bills currently before the National Assembly aim to increase the number of eligible taxpayers, not impose new taxes on citizens.
Speaking on Tuesday at the second edition of the National Dialogue organized by Nigeria Politics Online (NPO), Adedeji, who was represented by Umar Idris, Director of Intergovernmental Relations at the FIRS, emphasized the need for simplification and greater efficiency in the country’s tax system.
“We don’t need new taxes; what we need is new taxpayers,” Adedeji stated, reinforcing that the reforms are intended to expand the tax base by making tax payments more accessible and streamlining the process, ensuring that citizens are not burdened with additional financial obligations. His message underscores a clear shift towards a more inclusive tax system designed to increase revenue for the government without overloading the population.
Adedeji also highlighted the positive results posted by Nigeria’s revenue-collecting agencies, which have exceeded their targets for the year, showing strong performance between January and October. This success, according to Adedeji, suggests that the agencies will surpass their annual targets, reflecting a positive trend in revenue generation.
“The focus is on fair tax administration, responsive service, and maximized revenue for national development,” he added, stressing the importance of creating an environment where both taxpayers and the tax authority can work together for the country’s financial growth.
On how to further boost revenue, Adedeji emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector. He pointed to the potential benefits of public-private partnerships, which could drive innovation in public service delivery and infrastructural development. Adedeji also identified digitalization, asset optimization, and the expansion of VAT as other key strategies to increase the country’s revenue.
