The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for significant improvements in tax administration and institutional reform. The commendation came during the opening of the IMF-supported Headquarters Mission held on Wednesday at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja.
Paulo Paz, Senior Economist at the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department, applauded the agency’s efforts under the leadership of Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji. He acknowledged the important role FIRS plays in national development, especially in light of four newly signed tax reform laws aimed at boosting revenue mobilization.
“We recognize the excellent work FIRS has done and understand the new responsibilities that come with these powerful tax laws,” Paz said. He assured that the IMF would continue supporting the agency as it navigates these reforms.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji expressed gratitude for the IMF’s partnership, highlighting progress made in digital transformation, VAT automation, and compliance improvements. Koleosho noted the collaboration would continue as FIRS transitions to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next year.
Mrs. Bolaji Akintola, Coordinating Director of Corporate Services at FIRS, underscored the IMF’s vital role in Nigeria’s tax reform journey. She pointed to improved results in the 2023 Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) evaluation compared to 2018, signaling the agency’s commitment to excellence.
“The improvements reflect how weak areas identified previously have been addressed through reforms, including President Bola Tinubu’s tax laws,” Akintola said.
The IMF-FIRS mission will carry on with consultations to support Nigeria’s evolving tax system, aiming to increase efficiency in domestic revenue generation. This partnership is a key part of Nigeria’s broader economic development strategy.