Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has highlighted the need for continued reform and innovation in Nigeria’s tax system.

FIRS Executive Chairman represented by Mrs. Oti Olaniyi, Acting Director of the Medium Taxpayers Department – South, Dr. Adedeji addressed private sector stakeholders on the theme “Emerging Tax Matters.” He emphasized the importance of taxation in funding national development and stressed the need for modernization to meet the nation’s economic demands.

The stakeholders meeting was organized by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Dr. Adedeji acknowledged the critical role taxpayers play in the country’s economic progress, particularly in financing infrastructure projects. He noted that the FIRS is responsible for collecting a wide range of taxes, including Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), which are crucial for sustaining public services.

He outlined how these taxes are distributed to the three tiers of government, emphasizing the need for a fair and effective system that benefits both taxpayers and the government.

One of the key points in his speech was the ongoing restructuring of the FIRS, aimed at enhancing customer-centric service delivery.

The reorganization, launched in September 2023, is designed to address longstanding challenges and improve responsiveness to taxpayers’ needs. Dr. Adedeji outlined the creation of new operational groups for small, medium, and large taxpayers, a one-stop-shop for tax services, and a new mission statement aligning the FIRS with these goals.

Technology was also a central theme in the keynote speech. Dr. Adedeji highlighted the introduction of Taxpro Max, an online platform that allows taxpayers to file returns and access services more easily. This initiative, along with the agency’s e-services like e-filing and e-registration, represents FIRS’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline tax administration. Data analytics is also being utilized to enhance accuracy in tax assessments and improve overall efficiency.

Tax education was identified as another key focus area. Dr. Adedeji stressed the importance of taxpayer education in promoting compliance and fostering a culture of tax responsibility. He mentioned initiatives like Tax Thursdays and outreach programs in schools to increase public awareness, while a newly established contact center ensures that taxpayer inquiries are handled promptly.

Addressing emerging issues in the tax landscape, Dr. Adedeji touched on recent changes, such as the Finance Act’s provisions on VAT for digital services and new withholding tax regulations. He explained that these reforms are intended to simplify the tax system, broaden the tax base, and ensure that businesses, particularly in the digital economy, contribute fairly to Nigeria’s growth. The introduction of tax incentives for key sectors like gas is another step aimed at boosting investment and supporting local industries