The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its significant progress in tax administration and institutional reforms, describing the agency’s achievements as noteworthy and transformative.
The recognition came during the opening session of the IMF-supported Headquarters Mission held at the FIRS office in Abuja on Wednesday.
Paulo Paz, a Senior Economist at the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, acknowledged the agency’s accomplishments under Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji’s leadership.
He stated that the IMF remains committed to assisting FIRS, particularly in addressing challenges posed by Nigeria’s four newly enacted tax reform laws. These laws, Paz noted, have expanded FIRS’s responsibilities in revenue generation and national development.
“We recognise the excellent work FIRS has been doing for citizens while taking on new responsibilities through these impactful laws, which enhance the tax administration’s relevance in Nigeria,” Paz said.
He assured FIRS of the IMF’s ongoing support, adding, “We congratulate you on the good results so far. More progress lies ahead, and we are here to assist.”
Responding on behalf of FIRS, Chief of Staff Tayo Koleosho expressed gratitude for the IMF’s partnership, highlighting its contributions to portfolio management, digital transformation, VAT automation, and compliance enhancement.
“The IMF has been with us on this journey, and we are well-positioned to continue working together,” Koleosho stated. He also confirmed that the collaboration would persist as FIRS transitions to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in the coming year.
The meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s tax administration system and improving revenue mobilisation efforts for sustainable economic growth.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
