The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has committed to supporting the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in its ongoing reforms, acknowledging the agency’s significant progress in its core functions. This commitment was announced by Senior Economist Paulo Paz during the IMF-supported mission at the Revenue House in Abuja.
The mission aims to identify areas where the IMF can assist the FIRS in managing challenges related to recently signed tax laws. Paz praised the FIRS for its efforts, emphasizing the importance of the new tax laws in enhancing the agency’s relevance in Nigeria.
FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji welcomed the collaboration, stating that the partnership with the IMF has been vital for the tax body, especially as it prepares to transition to the Nigeria Revenue Service next year. He highlighted ongoing initiatives in digital transformation and compliance programs.
The IMF has played a crucial role in the FIRS’s reform journey, conducting evaluation exercises to identify systemic weaknesses and develop a roadmap for improvement. Recent assessments have shown significant advancements, reflecting the commitment to institutional excellence.
Adedeji expressed optimism for continued progress, noting that future evaluations are expected to yield even better results. The collaboration aims to strengthen Nigeria’s tax administration and improve domestic revenue mobilization.