The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has stated that the agency would work to simplify its processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance customer service at every level.
Speaking during a familiarisation visit to the Ikoyi office of FIRS yesterday in Lagos, the chairman tasked staff of the agency to key into his vision of making the revenue body one which rests on accuracy of data for its operations and has merit as its signpost.
He was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Dare Adekanmbi.
He stated that having a data-driven system that makes revenue targets predictable is a precondition for the realisation of the fiscal projections of the government for economic development.
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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.
“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.”
He added that the agency has an audacious vision to accelerate revenue collection and achieve an 18 percent 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.”