FIRS Stresses Judiciary’s Critical Role in Strengthening Nigeria’s Tax System
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has underscored the crucial role the judiciary plays in maintaining a robust and effective tax system, emphasising that judicial integrity and cooperation are indispensable to Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
Speaking at the High Impact Interactive Conference for Justices and Judges in Abuja, organised by FIRS in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, represented by Muhammad Abubakar, the Coordinating Director of Services Support Group, pointed out that the tax system’s success hinges on the judiciary’s support.
“For our tax system to be effective, it requires the unwavering support and integrity of our judiciary,” Abubakar said during the conference’s opening ceremony. “The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice and fairness in our society. Your role in interpreting tax laws, adjudicating disputes, and ensuring compliance is critical in fostering a climate of trust in our tax system.”
He added that by upholding the rule of law and delivering fair judgments, the judiciary reinforces the confidence of citizens and businesses, encouraging them to fulfil their tax obligations.
Abubakar also expressed confidence that FIRS would meet its 2024 revenue target of N19.4 trillion. Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, he highlighted the importance of preparation for future targets, stating, “We expect that by the year 2025, the government might decide to increase the target. So, we have to be prepared.”
The conference, he explained, serves as part of FIRS’s strategy to ensure readiness for the new challenges, including the implementation of new laws from January 2025.
In her address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice KudiratKekere-Ekun, urged national institutions to present cases thoroughly, reminding them that the quality of judicial adjudication depends heavily on the diligence of the institutions bringing cases to court.
She noted, “This conference is crucial for building capacity and deepening our understanding of sector-specific issues like taxation. However, it does not replace the responsibility of relevant agencies to perform their duties diligently and, where necessary, make adjustments to their processes.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun lamented the disparity between global tax strategies and Nigeria’s domestic tax framework, particularly in the digital economy. “While Nigeria benefits from international structures, significant gaps remain between global tax strategies and our local framework,” she said, stressing that the conference aimed to bridge these gaps while safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s tax system.
She further emphasised the importance of continuous judicial education on specialised areas like taxation, urging judges to maintain consistency in their rulings to promote transparency and fairness within the tax system. The CJN praised the collaboration between the judiciary and tax administrators, calling it a testament to their shared commitment to national progress.
As Nigeria looks to increase its revenue through taxation, the partnership between the FIRS and the judiciary will be pivotal in ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system, safeguarding the nation’s economic future.
