July 14, 2025

As part of ongoing efforts to curb tax evasion and protect Nigeria’s financial integrity, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a two-day national conference focused on tackling illicit financial flows (IFFs). The event will take place from July 22 to 23 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. According to a statement from Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, the conference is themed:“Combating Illicit Financial Flows: Strengthening Nigeria’s Domestic Resource Mobilisation.” The event is expected to convene key stakeholders including policymakers, tax administrators, law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption bodies, financial experts, and international development partners. Together, they will explore actionable strategies to combat IFFs and boost domestic revenue generation. The conference will be chaired by Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, while Irene Ovonji-Odida, a member of the United Nations High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows, will deliver the keynote address. FIRS Stepping Up the Fight Against IFFs Speaking ahead of the conference, FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, emphasized the agency’s intensified efforts in addressing illicit financial flows. These include: “We’ve already taken concrete steps by approving capacity-building programmes that equip FIRS staff to identify and curb illicit financial flows, particularly from multinational corporations,” Adedeji noted. He also highlighted the creation of a dedicated Proceeds of Crime Management and Illicit Financial Flows Coordinating Directorate within FIRS, marking a structural shift to institutionalize the agency’s anti-IFF initiatives. A Coordinated National Approach The statement also recalled the Federal Government’s formation of an Inter-Agency Committee on Stopping IFFs, which brings together multiple entities, including: In a pre-conference statement, Ovonji-Odida expressed optimism that the gathering will deepen national understanding of IFFs and reinforce commitment to eliminating them. FIRS stated that the outcome of the conference will support the Federal Government’s broader goals of promoting financial integrity and enhancing domestic resource mobilisation for sustainable national development. For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Sunmola David & CO (Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners) at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices, www.sunmoladavid.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is strengthening its engagement with media professionals as part of efforts to enhance public understanding of tax policies and reforms, ultimately encouraging voluntary tax compliance among Nigerians. At a recent media sensitisation programme in Abuja, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant (Broadcast Media) to the FIRS Executive Chairman and convener of the session, emphasized that the initiative is not just about promoting the agency’s activities. Its main goal, she said, is to clarify tax policies and reform strategies, as well as the data behind them—empowering journalists to report tax-related issues in a more meaningful and impactful way. “The participation of the media highlights the need for ongoing collaboration between tax authorities and journalists to foster public engagement, transparency, and accountability,” Atoyebi stated. She further noted that while the North Central region is abundant in natural and human resources, it continues to face developmental challenges. An informed and proactive media, she stressed, can help spotlight policy impacts, build public trust, and support national growth. She encouraged journalists to embrace critical inquiry, open dialogue, and deeper collaboration, describing the media as a key link between citizens and policymakers. Also speaking at the event, Dr. Abdullahi Ismaila, Director of the FIRS Communication and Liaison Department, stressed the importance of data in enhancing the credibility of tax reporting. “Data should not just be seen as numbers. It represents both quantitative and qualitative insights that must be interpreted carefully and applied responsibly,” he said. He noted that in today’s digital world, data plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and decision-making, making accuracy and proper analysis more crucial than ever. Recognizing that tax-related language can often be complex and technical, Dr. Ismaila advocated for simplifying tax terms into everyday language that resonates with ordinary Nigerians. Clear, relatable communication, he said, is key to improving tax literacy and compliance. Addressing the issue of trust between the public and government, he pointed out that while media reports rightly highlight inefficiencies, stories of positive reforms and progress are often underreported. He encouraged journalists to strike a balance by also covering the gains and improvements made, as this helps build credibility and public confidence. Dr. Ismaila concluded by reaffirming the shared responsibility between the media and tax authorities in driving national development. He urged journalists to rely on accurate data, ask critical questions, and maintain high ethical standards in their reporting—highlighting that a strong media-tax authority partnership can greatly advance tax awareness and foster a more compliant society. For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Sunmola David & CO (Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners) at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices, www.sunmoladavid.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.