FIRS Backs Stronger Tax Systems, Regional Collaboration Across West Africa
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has pledged to strengthen tax policy development and capacity-building initiatives both within Nigeria and across West Africa.
This is with a view to improving tax administration and fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.
This commitment was expressed by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, during the opening of the West Africa Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) Country Correspondents Conference/Training for Heads of Corporate Communications and the 20th WATAF Council Meeting held in Abuja.
Addressing participants from across the region, Dr. Adedeji described tax policy as central to the economic stability and development of nations, adding that countries must enhance their domestic resource mobilisation to meet growing developmental needs.
“The FIRS recognises the importance of domestic resource mobilisation in achieving economic development and growth,” he said, while assuring that Nigeria’s tax authority will continue to support efforts that aim to improve tax systems in West Africa.
Dr. Adedeji also discussed the significance of effective communication within tax administration, noting that clear, accurate, and timely information to taxpayers helps encourage voluntary compliance and builds public trust in tax authorities. He referred to the participants — Country Correspondents and Heads of Corporate Communications from West African tax institutions — as key players in shaping public understanding and acceptance of tax policies.
“You are the frontline ambassadors of our tax institutions, responsible for shaping narratives, clarifying policies, and fostering voluntary compliance,” he told the delegates, urging them to take their roles seriously in helping tax authorities maintain credibility and improve compliance levels.
He encouraged attendees to use the conference as an opportunity to share ideas, build stronger professional relationships, and learn from one another in order to enhance tax administration in their home countries. He urged them to participate actively in discussions, form useful connections, and adopt successful strategies that could be applied to their local contexts.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s longstanding support for regional tax cooperation, the FIRS Chairman stated that the country has historically led efforts to foster collaboration among West African tax authorities. He said Nigeria has consistently contributed to WATAF’s growth by offering technical support and running capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of member countries.
“Historically, Nigeria has always been at the forefront of promoting international tax cooperation and has been a key contributor to the development of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF),” he said, citing the country’s role in providing technical assistance and support to its regional partners.
Dr. Adedeji also noted that successful tax administration across West Africa depends on shared knowledge and coordinated efforts, pointing out that no country can tackle modern tax challenges alone. He called for sustained collaboration, recognising that cooperation among tax authorities is essential to overcoming common hurdles and adapting to the changing landscape of tax policy and administration.
“Our country has also been at the forefront of promoting regional cooperation in tax administration, recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges,” he said.
WATAF, an umbrella body of tax authorities in West Africa, aims to improve the efficiency of tax administration, promote cooperation among member countries, and build capacity. The ongoing meetings in Abuja are expected to further these goals by focusing on communication strategies, policy development, and capacity enhancement.
