The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for making substantial progress in its core responsibilities, following an assessment of the agency’s ongoing reforms.
Paulo Paz, a Senior Economist from the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, gave the commendation on Wednesday during the opening of the IMF-supported Headquarters Mission at Revenue House in Abuja.
Paz acknowledged what he described as the “good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens” under the leadership of its chairman, Zacch Adedeji. He assured that the Bretton Woods institution would continue to support FIRS in delivering effective tax administration to drive Nigeria’s development.
According to a statement from the FIRS chairman’s media adviser, Dare Adekanmbi, the IMF team’s mission is to identify areas where further support could be provided, especially in light of recently enacted tax laws.
“These new laws present both opportunities and responsibilities,” Paz said. “They will enhance the role of the tax administration in Nigeria. We’re honoured to partner with FIRS and will continue to support its efforts. The progress so far is commendable, and we’re here to help build on it.”
Welcoming the delegation, FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, appreciated the IMF for its long-standing partnership. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would extend into next year, as FIRS transitions to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
Adedeji highlighted key areas of cooperation, including digital transformation, VAT automation, compliance programmes, and portfolio management.
“We are integrating data and strategic planning into manageable tasks, and IMF’s expertise has been invaluable in this process,” he noted.
Also speaking, Bolaji Akintola, Coordinating Director of the Corporate Services Group, stressed the IMF’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s tax reform journey.
She recalled that with IMF’s support, FIRS conducted two systemic evaluations between 2018 and 2023 using the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT). These assessments led to reform roadmaps addressing structural weaknesses.
“The improvement recorded in the 2023 TADAT compared to 2018 reflects our commitment to institutional excellence,” Akintola said. “If another assessment were done today, we would surpass the 2023 results, as many of the weaknesses identified then have now been addressed and codified in the four newly signed tax reform laws by President Bola Tinubu.”