The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced plans to educate business owners, farmers, and entrepreneurs on the range of tax incentives available, particularly those designed to ease the burden on growing businesses.
FIRS Chairman, Mr. Zack Adedeji, made this announcement on Saturday during the 12th Benue National Trade Fair held at IBB Square, Makurdi. Representing him at the event was the Director of Taxpayer Services, Mrs. Lovette Onanuga.
Adedeji highlighted that various incentives, from pioneer status benefits to tax reliefs for agriculture-related investments, are available to support nearly every sector represented at the trade fair.
“This year’s trade fair theme, ‘Industrialisation and Commercialisation of Benue Agriculture and Solid Minerals as Panacea for Growth,’ aligns strongly with our work at FIRS,” he said.
He stressed Benue State’s vast potential not only in agriculture but also in its untapped solid mineral resources, noting that building sustainable businesses is key to unlocking these opportunities.
“When properly harnessed, taxes become catalysts for national growth, enabling the government to invest in critical infrastructure, public services, and policies that support agriculture, mining, trade, and enterprise,” Adedeji added.
He acknowledged that many small and medium-sized businesses often view taxation as a burden. To change this perception, FIRS has adopted the departmental theme for the month: “Breaking Down Tax Incentives and Reliefs”, aiming to help businesses see taxation as an opportunity rather than an obligation.
Adedeji encouraged participants to visit the FIRS help desk at the trade fair for assistance with registration, tax clearance, and information on available incentives. He also introduced the self-service code *829#, enabling users to access services without internet connectivity.
Also speaking at the event, the Tax Controller and Emerging Tax Officer, Mrs. Rose Ugoh, said FIRS had introduced several initiatives to make tax processes easier. She mentioned TaxPro Max, an online platform simplifying tax filing and payment, especially for small business owners.
Ugoh further introduced the Taxpayers Education Programme, a national initiative offering campaigns and workshops aimed at improving tax awareness and compliance among micro and small enterprises.
She emphasized that FIRS is committed not only to enhancing revenue collection but also to building a culture of voluntary tax compliance and economic formalization.
Meanwhile, the President of the Benue Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BECCIMA), Mr. Mhir Iyenge, noted that the trade fair had previously been suspended due to security challenges in some local government areas.
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