The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have deepened their collaboration to enforce tax compliance and protect national revenue.
FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, led a team to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where he emphasized that effective cooperation between both agencies was crucial to Nigeria’s fiscal stability and public confidence in the tax system.
“We cannot chase 200 million Nigerians one by one to comply, but we can build systems that encourage compliance.
“You can help us by ensuring that those who break the law know there are consequences. On behalf of the President and the Nigerian people, we appreciate your support and look forward to greater collaboration,” Adedeji said.
According to him, the renewed partnership aligns with government efforts to diversify revenue away from oil, entrench fiscal discipline, and enhance transparency in tax administration.
He further stressed that citizens are more likely to comply voluntarily when they see visible impact of their tax contributions.
“The strongest driver of voluntary compliance is when people see how their taxes are used. That’s why your role is critical—not only in apprehending offenders but also in working with our Fraud Risk, Assessment and Control Department to ensure proper use of resources,” he explained.
Adedeji credited recent improvements in revenue to preventive strategies and stronger inter-agency partnerships, noting that the progress was “a collective achievement, not just the work of FIRS.”
In his remarks, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to back FIRS in clamping down on tax evasion, insisting that joint action would send a clear message to defaulters.
“Collaboration is key. When the public sees EFCC standing with FIRS, it becomes clear that it is no longer business as usual,” Olukoyede said.
He referenced a recent Court of Appeal ruling that upheld EFCC’s authority to investigate tax-related offences, describing it as a significant reinforcement of the agency’s mandate.
“We are not responsible for assessing taxes, but we have the power to investigate cases of evasion and hand them back to you for assessment. Our core functions remain prevention, investigation, and prosecution of financial crimes. That is why synergy is indispensable,” he added.
