FIRS reaffirms commitment to workplace safety

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has once again demonstrated its leadership in promoting a safe, healthy, and progressive work environment with the hosting of the 2nd Edition of the FIRS World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Monday, 28th April, 2025. The event, themed “The Impacts of Digitalization and AI on Workers’ […]

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has once again demonstrated its leadership in promoting a safe, healthy, and progressive work environment with the hosting of the 2nd Edition of the FIRS World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Monday, 28th April, 2025.

The event, themed “The Impacts of Digitalization and AI on Workers’ Safety and Health,” and with a sub-theme tailored to FIRS operations, “Enhancing Tax Compliance through AI while Safeguarding Employee Well-being,” captured the organization’s dual focus on operational innovation and employee welfare.

Under the visionary leadership of the Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, FIRS has recorded notable milestones in embedding a safety-first culture into its operations.

This includes its recognition by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity as one of the most safety-compliant MDAs in Nigeria.

Demonstrating personal commitment, Dr. Adedeji signed the FIRS Safety Commitment Statement in 2024 and subsequently formalized the Service’s internal processes by signing the FIRS Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Policy.

These actions have fortified the organization’s workplace safety framework, establishing a comprehensive HSE Management System and ensuring the presence of trained safety personnel including first aiders, fire wardens, and safety officers across its offices.

At the commemoration event, Dr. Adedeji emphasized that while FIRS is leveraging digitalization and artificial intelligence to enhance tax compliance, equal priority must be placed on the mental health, cybersecurity, ergonomics, and overall well-being of employees.

He noted that innovation must walk hand-in-hand with protection, and as the Service digitizes, it must also shield staff from evolving risks.

The day featured several impactful activities, including a Management Commemoration Symposium, a Safety Awareness Rally across FIRS offices within the FCT, an Interactive Safety Fair with live demonstrations by safety vendors, and an enlightening Webinar on health, ergonomics, and cybersecurity challenges in the AI age.

Dr. Adedeji reaffirmed that safety and employee well-being remain central to FIRS’ transformation agenda.

According to him, “We are not just building a digital and data-driven tax administration system; we are building one where every individual feels valued, protected, and respected.”

The 2nd Edition of the FIRS World Day for Safety and Health at Work served not just as a celebration, but as a clear declaration of FIRS’ commitment to lead responsibly, ensuring that progress and innovation never come at the expense of human safety and dignity.