Revenue Revolution: FIRS Taps EFCC To Enforce Tax Compliance

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has described the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a vital partner in its efforts to drive voluntary tax compliance across Nigeria.

In a statement on Tuesday, FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made the remark during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where both agencies renewed their pledge to deepen collaboration in strengthening tax enforcement and safeguarding national revenue.

Adedeji noted that the newly signed Tax Acts, which will officially take effect in January 2026, would transform the FIRS into the Nigerian Revenue Service. He stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation, stating that effective compliance requires systemic solutions rather than chasing individual taxpayers.

“We cannot pursue 200 million Nigerians one by one, but we can build systems that make compliance easier. You can help us by ensuring that those who break the law face consequences. On behalf of the President and Nigerians, we appreciate your support and look forward to even stronger cooperation,” he said.

The FIRS boss explained that voluntary compliance is best achieved when taxpayers see clear evidence of how public funds are being utilised. He highlighted the EFCC’s role not only in sanctioning defaulters but also in supporting fraud-risk control measures to guarantee value for money.

Adedeji further credited Nigeria’s recent success in hitting its revenue target to preventive strategies and effective partnerships, noting that the milestone was a “collective achievement, not one by FIRS alone.” President Bola Tinubu had earlier disclosed that the government met its revenue target by August, with about N20 trillion collected, largely from non-oil sources.

Responding, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, assured continued collaboration, stressing that joint efforts would reinforce public confidence.

“Collaboration is key. When Nigerians see EFCC standing beside FIRS, it signals that tax evasion will no longer be treated lightly,” Olukoyede said.

He pointed to a recent Court of Appeal ruling that affirmed EFCC’s authority to investigate tax fraud, describing it as a major boost to the commission’s mandate. While clarifying that the EFCC does not assess tax liabilities, he reaffirmed its responsibility to investigate and prosecute non-compliance cases.

Both leaders pledged to consolidate their working relationship, positioning preventive measures and voluntary compliance as central pillars of Nigeria’s evolving tax system.