The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that its sweeping tax reforms have successfully reshaped Nigeria’s tax administration ecosystem, improving efficiency, transparency, and compliance while expanding the nation’s revenue base. According to the agency, the recent structural and digital reforms have not only streamlined tax collection processes but also positioned FIRS as one of the most technologically advanced revenue agencies in Africa.
Speaking in Abuja, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, stated that the ongoing transformation of the Service is anchored on innovation, collaboration, and simplification of tax processes. He noted that through strategic reforms, the FIRS has been able to build a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient tax system that supports economic growth and boosts investor confidence.
Dr. Adedeji explained that the modernization of tax administration in Nigeria aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal policy reforms aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenue and expanding non-oil tax income. He said the reforms have allowed FIRS to record remarkable progress in revenue collection and taxpayer engagement.
“Our reforms are people-centered. We have restructured our processes to make tax administration simpler, fairer, and more transparent. These reforms have reshaped the entire tax ecosystem, making it easier for businesses and individuals to comply voluntarily,” Adedeji said.
He added that one of the most significant milestones in the ongoing transformation was the introduction of the TaxPro Max platform — a digital solution that automates the entire tax filing and payment process. This platform, he said, has enhanced taxpayer experience by enabling real-time registration, filing, and payment of taxes from anywhere in the world.
According to the FIRS boss, the integration of technology has drastically reduced bottlenecks, minimized revenue leakages, and improved accountability in the system. “We have created a modern, data-driven agency that operates with integrity and efficiency. Through automation, we can now track transactions seamlessly and ensure that every kobo due to the government is collected and accounted for,” he added.
Dr. Adedeji also noted that the Service has adopted a customer-centric approach to tax administration by introducing initiatives that make compliance less burdensome. These include the creation of a unified tax identification number, the establishment of taxpayer service centers across the country, and the introduction of taxpayer education campaigns to promote voluntary compliance.
He disclosed that FIRS has intensified its collaboration with state tax authorities, financial institutions, and international organizations to ensure greater coordination and eliminate duplication in tax collection. This inter-agency cooperation, according to him, has resulted in a more harmonized tax environment that encourages investment and business growth.
The Executive Chairman further explained that the reforms have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic stability, as tax revenue now serves as a major source of funding for national development projects. “With improved efficiency and accountability, FIRS has consistently surpassed its collection targets, generating trillions of naira annually. Our goal is to ensure that tax becomes the foundation of Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability,” he said.
He also reaffirmed FIRS’s commitment to building institutional capacity through continuous staff training and the deployment of technology-driven solutions. “We have invested heavily in human capital development. Our workforce is being equipped with the right tools and skills to manage a rapidly evolving tax landscape,” Adedeji emphasized.
Industry experts at the event commended FIRS for its proactive reforms, noting that the agency’s digital transformation has improved Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking. According to financial analyst, Mr. Ayo Olowonihi, the agency’s shift from manual to automated systems has reduced human interference, increased transparency, and improved investor confidence in the Nigerian tax regime.
“Businesses now find it easier to file and pay their taxes without physical contact. This change has not only enhanced efficiency but also reduced corruption and bureaucratic delays,” Olowonihi said.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) also lauded the FIRS reforms, describing them as revolutionary steps toward building a more sustainable tax structure. CITN President, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, remarked that the use of technology and data analytics in tax administration has transformed how revenue agencies operate in Nigeria. “The FIRS model has become a benchmark for other African nations looking to modernize their tax systems. What we see today is a new era of efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
Agbeluyi further urged the Service to continue its taxpayer sensitization initiatives to ensure that citizens understand the importance of tax compliance and the benefits it brings to national development.
In addition to improving compliance, FIRS reforms have enhanced Nigeria’s global reputation in fiscal management. The country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list earlier in the year was partly attributed to strengthened tax transparency measures and improved inter-agency cooperation led by FIRS.
Dr. Adedeji reiterated that the agency remains committed to deepening digital transformation and innovation in the coming years. He said new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics would be deployed to strengthen compliance monitoring, detect evasion, and optimize collection efficiency.
“Our focus is not just on revenue collection but also on building a fair and sustainable tax culture that supports Nigeria’s long-term growth. We will continue to collaborate with businesses, taxpayers, and partners to ensure that our tax system remains modern, inclusive, and globally competitive,” he concluded.
With the success of its reforms, FIRS continues to serve as a model for tax modernization in Africa, positioning Nigeria for a future where non-oil revenue becomes the cornerstone of national prosperity.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate