The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Saach Adedeji, emphasized that the ongoing transformation and innovation at the nation’s Revenue Agency have significantly enhanced its taxpayer-friendliness.

Dr. Adedeji made these remarks during the FIRS Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Represented by Mr. Isola Akingbade, State Administrator of FIRS for Lagos Island, Dr. Adedeji highlighted the importance of the partnership between FIRS and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in organizing the annual Lagos International Trade Fair.

“We are committed to supporting our business community, recognizing that FIRS and its partners are integral to their success. Dr. Saach Adedeji is dedicated to simplifying tax payment and filing processes to facilitate compliance for taxpayers.

“Today, we are placing greater emphasis on our taxpayers—both internal and external. Internal refers to our staff, who also contribute to tax payments, while external encompasses corporate entities and Nigerian entrepreneurs.

It Is not our intention for any business to fail, as we cannot collect taxes from a defunct company.

Therefore, under Dr. Adedeji’s leadership, we are striving to establish a seamless tax payment process that promotes compliance, reduces unnecessary fines and penalties, and fosters the growth and prosperity of our taxpayers.

Dr. Loveth Onanuga, Director, Tax Payers Services at Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS), posed for photo with the dummy of the Agency’s newly introduced USSD Code *829# at the FIRS Special Day at the ongoing 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Additionally, Dr. Loveth Onanuga, Director of Taxpayer Services at FIRS, spoke about the significance of the FIRS and LCCI partnership in the context of the Lagos International Trade Fair.

She noted that FIRS participates in the trade fair to underscore the importance of the business community as a vital stakeholder in national development and to inform them about the new initiatives at FIRS.

We are participating in the trade fair in collaboration with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). They serve as our strategic partners by providing a platform for us to display our products and services, while also raising awareness among our taxpayers regarding our operations and their expectations from us.

This platform allows us to engage with taxpayers and the Nigerian business community, informing them about the products and services offered by the FIRS, as well as their tax responsibilities as businesses. We understand that the business community plays a crucial role in the nation’s economic development.

Our goal is to assure them that the FIRS is here to provide support. I urge the business community and all attendees to approach us, especially if they are facing unresolved issues with tax authorities. We are available to assist them, clarify any concerns, and demonstrate how technology can help address their tax challenges.

We will also introduce them to our newly launched Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Code *829#, which allows users to verify their tax status without visiting a tax office. This code can also be utilized for general inquiries, as explained by Dr. Loveth Onanuga.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of appreciation gifts to several corporate entities that have consistently fulfilled their tax obligations over the years and have integrated global best practices into their internal tax systems.