Why FIRS Wants a Stronger Partnership with the Media
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is calling for a stronger partnership with the media to encourage more Nigerians to pay their taxes voluntarily.1 The agency believes that while enforcement is necessary, building a culture of voluntary tax compliance is key to achieving Nigeria’s development goals.2
According to FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, taxes are the foundation of national growth, funding essential services like hospitals, roads, and social programs. However, many Nigerians still view paying taxes as a burden rather than a civic duty.
To change this perception, FIRS is urging the media to play a crucial role as “educators, influencers, and watchdogs.”3 The agency believes journalists can help in the following ways:
- Simplifying Tax Laws: By breaking down complex tax laws and procedures, the media can empower citizens with the knowledge to comply with their tax obligations.
- Building Trust: Investigative journalism that exposes the misuse of public funds can build public confidence and encourage citizens to believe their contributions will be used for the common good.
- Highlighting Benefits: By connecting the taxes citizens pay to the services they receive, the media can show the tangible benefits of a tax-compliant society.
The Importance of Voluntary Tax Compliance
During a sensitization program, Dr. Mohammed Adamu of FIRS highlighted that voluntary compliance—where citizens willingly pay taxes without the need for enforcement—is the most reliable source of government revenue.4 This approach offers several benefits:
- It reduces the costs associated with enforcement.
- It builds trust between the government and taxpayers.
- It ensures a steady flow of revenue.
- It fosters a sense of patriotism among citizens who see themselves as stakeholders in national progress.
Another FIRS official, Ishaku Ankuma, emphasized that tax compliance is a prerequisite for many financial transactions and that failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, criminal charges, and damage to one’s reputation.5
FIRS’s Push for Digital Transformation
In a separate development, a PUNCH Online report from March 11, 2025, notes that FIRS has also urged tax consultants to adopt its electronic invoicing system. This digital initiative is a key part of the agency’s strategy to:
- Boost Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio (currently at 10.6%, with a target of 18%).
- Improve tax compliance.
- Enhance transparency.
- Curb revenue losses.
FIRS views tax consultants as vital partners in this digital transformation journey, urging them to help their clients integrate and understand the new e-invoicing system.6 The agency’s goal is to become “one of the most trusted and efficient tax systems in the world.”
