Tax Bills Pose No Threat To Revenue-Collecting Agencies – FIRS

The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has dismissed fears that the four tax reform bills currently being reviewed by the National Assembly pose any threat to the roles or existence of government revenue-collecting agencies. In a statement released by FIRS on Wednesday, Adedeji clarified that the proposed legislation aims to enhance the nation’s fiscal structure and operational effectiveness, not to displace other federal agencies.

During a meeting at the Revenue House in Abuja with heads of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Adedeji described the concerns surrounding the reforms as misplaced. He specifically addressed the proposal to rename the FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service, assuring that this adjustment would not result in the consolidation or takeover of any other agency.

“I want to assure you that nothing in these bills will affect your funding, effectiveness, or efficiency. The provisions in the bills are designed to establish a solid foundation for your continued sustainability,” he stated. Adedeji explained that the government’s primary aim with these reforms is to enhance tax efficiency, streamline compliance, and reposition the fiscal framework to ensure funding stability for all agencies.

He further clarified that the bills would enable agencies to focus on their core responsibilities rather than handling revenue collection tasks, allowing each agency to operate within its specialized mandate. Addressing concerns over potential reductions in agency roles, he noted that the reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of harmonizing Nigeria’s tax laws to foster economic growth and make the country a more competitive investment destination.

“The President’s approach is to unify the various tax laws spread across different statutes. This reform is about updating our tax framework to reflect current realities and stimulate economic activity,” Adedeji emphasized. He also expressed optimism that these efforts would position Nigeria more attractively to international businesses.

The statement concluded with the agency heads underscoring their mandates and contributions to Nigeria’s national development agenda during the meeting.