FIRS Holds Inaugural Research Day, Unveils Innovative Tax Data Platforms

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has marked a new milestone in its operational history with the celebration of its first-ever Research Day, an event aimed at promoting evidence-based decision-making and strengthening Nigeria’s tax administration through data-driven innovations. The occasion, held at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, also featured the official launch of advanced tax data tools designed to improve transparency, compliance, and efficiency in the nation’s revenue collection system.

Speaking at the event, FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, described the Research Day as a landmark initiative that underscores the agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s tax sector into a modern, technology-driven institution. He noted that accurate data and robust research are critical to formulating effective tax policies, identifying revenue gaps, and fostering taxpayer trust.

“Our focus is on building a tax administration that is proactive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians,” Adedeji said. “Research is the compass that guides us toward better decision-making, and with the right data, we can predict trends, understand taxpayer behavior, and implement policies that are fair and efficient.”

The newly launched tax data platforms are designed to consolidate, analyze, and visualize vast amounts of tax-related information in real time. According to the FIRS, these tools will help track sectoral revenue performance, monitor compliance rates, and identify patterns of tax evasion. The systems are also expected to provide policymakers with actionable insights to support fiscal planning at federal, state, and local levels.

Dr. Kemi Adeyemi, the FIRS Director of Research and Policy, explained that the agency’s research department has been working closely with local and international partners to design the tools in line with global best practices. She stressed that the platforms will not only serve internal purposes but will also be accessible to relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and development partners.

“These platforms will bridge the gap between tax administration and economic research,” Adeyemi said. “By providing a transparent, data-rich environment, we can foster collaborative policy-making that supports national development goals.”

Industry experts who attended the launch commended the FIRS for prioritizing data in its operational strategy. They noted that reliable tax data has long been a challenge in Nigeria, with outdated records and fragmented systems hampering efficient revenue collection. The new tools, they argued, could help address long-standing issues such as tax leakages, non-compliance, and duplication of taxpayer records.

Professor Ibrahim Yusuf, an economist and guest speaker at the event, emphasized that research-backed taxation is the bedrock of sustainable public finance. He cited examples from countries where advanced tax analytics have significantly improved compliance and boosted government revenue without raising tax rates.

“The future of taxation lies in the intelligent use of data,” Yusuf remarked. “When tax authorities can understand the economic landscape in detail, they can design policies that are equitable, reduce disputes, and encourage voluntary compliance.”

The FIRS also used the occasion to unveil a policy brief on “Tax Data for Development,” highlighting how structured research can support Nigeria’s fiscal reforms and economic diversification agenda. The document outlines strategies for leveraging tax information to stimulate investments, formalize the informal sector, and enhance the ease of doing business.

Participants at the Research Day included senior government officials, representatives of the National Bureau of Statistics, academics, civil society organizations, and members of the diplomatic community. Panel discussions explored topics such as “The Role of Big Data in Taxation,” “Building a Culture of Research in Public Institutions,” and “The Impact of Data-Driven Policies on Economic Growth.”

In addition to the launch of the data tools, the FIRS announced plans to establish an annual research fellowship that will sponsor Nigerian scholars to conduct studies on tax policy, administration, and public finance. The fellowship, to be hosted in collaboration with leading universities, aims to build a pool of experts who can contribute to the country’s tax knowledge base.

Adedeji reiterated that the agency’s long-term vision is to make Nigeria’s tax system one of the most efficient in Africa. He added that the FIRS is committed to continuous innovation and will keep investing in research and digital solutions to close the gap between policy and practice.

“We are moving from a manual, reactive approach to a digital, proactive model,” he stated. “With these tools, we will not only collect more revenue but also ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the process.”

The Research Day closed with a demonstration of the new platforms, where participants were shown how the tools can generate instant visual reports, analyze industry-specific trends, and predict potential areas of revenue growth. Many attendees expressed optimism that the integration of such technology into Nigeria’s tax system will help broaden the tax base and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Observers believe that if fully implemented, the FIRS’s research and data initiatives could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, enabling more accurate forecasting, better resource allocation, and stronger public trust in the tax system. The inaugural Research Day, they said, not only reflects the agency’s embrace of innovation but also signals a broader shift toward a knowledge-driven public sector in the country.