Kekere-Ekun Calls for Thorough Case Preparation by Govt Agencies
By Patience Ikpeme
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged government ministries and agencies to ensure they prepare their legal cases carefully before presenting them in court.
She made this call during the opening of a conference aimed at improving the understanding of tax issues among judges and justices, held in Abuja on Monday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun who was represented by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa emphasized that the quality of cases brought to court greatly affects the fairness of judicial decisions. “Adjudication relies on the thoroughness of the cases presented,” she said, encouraging all agencies to carefully prepare their arguments to support a fair judicial process.
While highlighting the importance of the conference for building skills and knowledge about taxation, she reminded attendees that it does not replace the agencies’ responsibility to improve their processes.
“This conference is important, but agencies must fulfill their duties effectively and make necessary adjustments,” she stated. She also pointed out the growing need for institutions to embrace digital innovations, saying such alignment is now essential.
The Chief Justice noted that while Nigeria has access to international tax frameworks, there are significant gaps between these global strategies and the country’s own tax system, especially in the digital economy. The conference aims to find solutions to these issues while maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s tax system.
During the event, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), highlighted the judiciary’s vital role in supporting Nigeria’s tax framework. He described the judiciary as a “guardian of justice and fairness,” which plays a crucial role in interpreting tax laws and resolving disputes.
“Upholding the rule of law and delivering fair judgments boosts public and business confidence, encouraging tax compliance,” he said.
After the conference, Abubakar expressed confidence that the FIRS would meet its ambitious revenue target of N19.4 trillion for the year, and he indicated that the target may be raised by 2025. He emphasized the need for the agency to be prepared for new tax laws coming into force in January 2025.
“The aim of this conference is to strengthen the judiciary’s role in Nigeria’s tax system,” Abubakar said.
