FIRS, EFCC move to enforce voluntary tax compliance

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have strengthened partnership to bolster Nigeria’s tax compliance framework and safeguard public revenue. This is a deliberate step by the FIRS to curb leakages and foster voluntary tax compliance among citizens and businesses. Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, during […]

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have strengthened partnership to bolster Nigeria’s tax compliance framework and safeguard public revenue.

This is a deliberate step by the FIRS to curb leakages and foster voluntary tax compliance among citizens and businesses.

Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation to maintain financial stability and build public trust in the nation’s tax system.

He said, “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 emphasized that the most effective driver of voluntary compliance was visible evidence of how tax revenues were being used.

According to him, when taxpayers see government investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education funded by taxes, they are more inclined 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.

 

The FIRS boss also 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.

In his response, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to work closely with FIRS in enforcing compliance. He argued that such collaboration would send a strong deterrent message to potential defaulters.

Collaboration is very key. When they see EFCC beside FIRS, that will send a signal to the public that it is no longer business as usual,” Olukoyede said.

 

Both leaders pledged to consolidate their working relationship, with a shared focus on preventive measures, enforcement, and voluntary compliance as the backbone of Nigeria’s tax system. For taxpayers, the message is clear: compliance is not optional, and failure to meet obligations could now come with stiffer consequences.