The International Monetary Fund has praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service for making significant progress in its reform initiatives, acknowledging the agency’s improved performance under Chairman Zacch Adedeji’s leadership.
At the opening of an IMF-supported Headquarters Mission at FIRS’ Revenue House in Abuja, IMF Senior Economist Paulo Paz commended the tax agency’s work, stating: “Our take on the four tax laws is first recognition of the very good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens.”
Paz emphasized that the IMF would continue supporting FIRS in strengthening tax administration, particularly in implementing Nigeria’s newly signed tax laws. “You have at the same time the recognition and new responsibilities with these very powerful laws which will increase the relevance of the tax administration in Nigeria,” he said.
The IMF economist added: “I want to express our honour of being here and being a partner of FIRS. Thank you for your trust in our advice. We congratulate you for the good results so far. There is more to come, and we are here to help.”
FIRS Chairman Adedeji, represented by Chief of Staff Tayo Koleosho, appreciated the IMF’s partnership, noting that the collaboration would extend to the agency’s transition to the Nigeria Revenue Service in 2025. He highlighted joint efforts in digital transformation, VAT automation, and compliance programs.
“IMF has gone on this journey with us, and I think we are in a good place to continue the journey together,” Adedeji stated. “We are working together either in digital transformation, VAT automation, looking at even the compliance programme and ability to automate some of those things.”
FIRS’ Coordinating Director for Corporate Services, Bolaji Akintola, noted that IMF support has been instrumental in tax system reforms, particularly through the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool. She revealed that FIRS recorded significant improvements between the 2018 and 2023 assessments.
“The fact that the results of the 2023 TADAT showed significant improvement on those of 2018 is indicative of the commitment of the Service towards institutional excellence,” Akintola said. “Let me assure you that if another TADAT is conducted today, the result will be better than that of 2023.”