FIRS will be data-driven, signposted by merit under my watch –Adedeji

Acting executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has tasked staff of the agency to key into his vision of making the revenue body one that rests on the accuracy of data for its operations and has merit as its signpost.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Dare Adekanmbi, the new FRSC boss also said the FIRS under his leadership “will entrench and maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability.”

He stated that having a data-driven system that makes revenue targets predictable is a precondition for the realisation of the fiscal projections of government for economic development.

According to him, the chairman spoke on Monday, October 16, during a familiarisation visit to the Ikoyi office of FIRS in Lagos where he met with top management staff.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to get first-hand information from field officers, address challenges being faced by them as well as align their inputs with his strategic action plan for the agency.

Adedeji said: “We can play with everything, but what we cannot afford to play with if we are going to succeed, are data and merit.

“There is nothing like fiscal discipline except you have accurate revenue prediction. This is because if you say you want to spend N10 and be disciplined with it that means the N10 must be somewhere.

“We have an audacious vision of accelerated revenue collection and achieving an 18% tax-to-GDP ratio in the next three years to ensure financial sustainability and reduce the nation’s reliance on borrowing.

“This aligns with the FIRS vision of making taxation the pivot of national development. Accordingly, my vision for the future of FIRS is rooted in efficient service delivery, transparency, and innovation.

“You must bear in mind that our primary mission is to serve the people of Nigeria and we will do so with a renewed commitment to service excellence. Every Nigerian taxpayer and other stakeholders deserves to experience efficient and courteous service when dealing with us.

“We will work to simplify our processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance customer service at every level. I understand that trust is essential in tax administration and will strive to build a culture of transparency and accountability.

The FIRS chairman commended the staff of the agency for their dedication to duty, charging them to redouble efforts at raising the bar in revenue target.

He added: “I would also like to take this moment to acknowledge the tremendous work done by the dedicated staff of the service. Your commitment to duty, professionalism, and hard work have been pivotal in ensuring the financial stability of our great nation.

“It is also pertinent to admonish that FIRS, under my leadership, will not condone any acts of indiscipline and corruption by staff. Unauthorised release of official or taxpayers’ information, rumour-mongering and mischievous distortion of facts, absence from work, and other acts of misconduct will not be tolerated.”