The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its outstanding achievements in tax administration reforms, institutional growth, and revenue modernization efforts. The IMF also pledged its continued support as Nigeria’s tax authority navigates new responsibilities under recently enacted tax reform laws.
Speaking during the IMF Headquarters Mission to Nigeria on Wednesday, held at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, Paulo Paz, a Senior Economist with the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department, described FIRS’s recent performance as both commendable and impactful.
- “We recognize the good work FIRS is doing under the leadership of Zacch Adedeji. These new tax laws increase the relevance of tax administration in Nigeria,” said Paz.
IMF Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Tax Reform Journey
The IMF’s visit comes amid the implementation of four newly signed tax laws that have expanded the agency’s scope and responsibilities. Paz noted that these legislative changes mark a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s fiscal policy and that the IMF is eager to help FIRS succeed.
- “You now have both recognition and increased responsibility. We congratulate you on the good results so far. There is more to come, and we are here to help,” Paz added.
FIRS Expresses Appreciation, Looks Forward to Continued Partnership
Representing the FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, the agency’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, thanked the IMF for its consistent partnership. He noted that IMF support had played a critical role in strengthening areas such as:
- Digital transformation
- VAT automation
- Portfolio management
- Compliance improvement
“IMF has gone on this journey with us. We’re in a good place to continue the journey together,” Koleosho said.
He further emphasized that the collaboration will continue even as FIRS transitions into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in 2026.
TADAT Shows FIRS Reform Progress
Also speaking at the session, Mrs. Bolaji Akintola, Coordinating Director of the Corporate Services Group at FIRS, highlighted the positive impact of IMF collaboration on institutional performance.
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She noted that FIRS underwent two rounds of the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) between 2018 and 2023, with the 2023 results showing significant improvements over 2018.
“If another TADAT is conducted today, the result will be better than that of 2023,” Akintola said.
She also pointed out that several weaknesses identified in past assessments have since been addressed, thanks in part to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform legislation.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilization
The IMF-FIRS mission will continue with consultations on how best to adapt tax administration to Nigeria’s evolving fiscal landscape and rising demand for domestic revenue generation.
Stay updated with Naija Blog Daily for the latest on Nigeria’s tax policies, FIRS reforms, and international development support aimed at driving the country’s economic transformation.
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