In a resounding endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative economic policies, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has declared that the President’s fiscal revolution is meticulously rebuilding Nigeria, brick by brick. This commendation, issued through a statement on Monday by the party’s spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo, underscores the pivotal role of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda. Oladejo praised the visionary leadership and reform-oriented strategies employed by the FIRS, positioning it as a beacon of institutional excellence amid global economic turbulence.
Oladejo’s statement comes at a time when nations worldwide grapple with unprecedented economic disruptions, from inflationary pressures to supply chain volatilities. Yet, he asserted, Nigeria’s resilience is no accident but the result of deliberate financial engineering rooted in sound policy formulation, strategic management, and disciplined revenue administration. “The ongoing transformation of the FIRS serves as a textbook example of how institutional reforms, when anchored on competence and integrity, can become the engine room of nation building,” he remarked. This evolution, he explained, elevates the FIRS beyond its conventional mandate as a mere tax collector, transforming it into a strategic fiscal institution that harmoniously balances revenue generation with broader economic stimulation.
Under the stewardship of Mr. Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS has undergone a profound metamorphosis. Oladejo highlighted how the agency now employs cutting-edge digital tax administration platforms, robust data harmonization initiatives, and enhanced compliance frameworks to ensure that every taxable entity—be it corporate giants or individual entrepreneurs—contributes fairly and transparently to national development. These measures are not just about filling government coffers; they are foundational to sustainable growth. “The Renewed Hope administration understands that without strong fiscal foundations, no amount of political goodwill can deliver economic prosperity,” Oladejo emphasized. In essence, the modern FIRS is laying the groundwork for a self-reliant Nigeria, where fiscal discipline paves the way for long-term prosperity.
Delving deeper into the innovations spearheaded by the current FIRS leadership, Oladejo enumerated several groundbreaking initiatives that are reshaping Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. At the forefront is the TaxPro Max System, a revolutionary platform that has streamlined tax filing, remittance, and reconciliation processes. By eliminating leakages and minimizing human interference, TaxPro Max ensures efficiency and accountability, marking a significant departure from outdated manual systems prone to errors and corruption.
Equally transformative are the automated Value Added Tax (VAT) collection mechanisms implemented across critical sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and e-commerce. These systems enable real-time tracking and instantaneous accountability, capturing revenues that might otherwise slip through the cracks in a rapidly digitizing economy. Oladejo also pointed to the expansion of the Unified Tax Identification Number (TIN), which promotes a single, integrated national database for both corporate and individual taxpayers. This unification reduces administrative redundancies and enhances the accuracy of tax records.
Furthermore, strategic inter-agency collaborations have been instrumental in this overhaul. Partnerships between the FIRS, Nigeria Customs Service, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have improved data accuracy, prevented duplication of efforts, and fostered a cohesive approach to taxpayer identification and verification. Complementing these efforts are extensive capacity-building programs and digital transformation initiatives, which are positioning the FIRS as one of Africa’s most technologically advanced tax institutions. Staff training in emerging technologies, coupled with investments in cybersecurity and data analytics, ensures that the agency remains ahead of the curve in a continent increasingly embracing digital governance.
The fruits of these reforms are evident in the FIRS’s record-breaking revenue collections. Oladejo noted that the agency has surpassed unprecedented thresholds, providing the much-needed fiscal muscle to fund critical infrastructure projects, bolster social welfare programs, and ensure debt sustainability. “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognizes revenue stability as the foundation for national sovereignty,” he stated. By reforming the FIRS and enforcing fiscal discipline across all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—the administration is breaking Nigeria free from the vicious cycle of excessive borrowing and external dependency that has plagued the nation for decades.
Every kobo generated through these tax reforms, Oladejo assured, is being reinvested directly into the populace. From constructing roads that connect rural communities to urban centers, to building schools that nurture the next generation of leaders, and enhancing healthcare facilities to safeguard public health, these funds are tangible manifestations of progress. Security apparatus is being strengthened, and social investment programs are empowering the vulnerable, all underpinned by a commitment to inclusive growth.
The Renewed Hope vision, as articulated by Oladejo, is both simple and profound: to forge a nation that funds its own future through internal wealth generation and prudent utilization. “This is what true nation building looks like—a Nigeria that generates wealth from within and uses it to empower its citizens,” he declared. He drew a historical parallel to Lagos State, where President Tinubu, during his tenure as governor, first demonstrated the transformative power of efficient tax administration. What was once a state teetering on the brink of insolvency became an economic powerhouse, serving as a blueprint for national reform.
In calling on citizens to embrace these tax reforms, Oladejo framed them not as burdens but as patriotic contributions to nation building. “A modern economy cannot thrive on oil alone. The strength of a nation lies in its citizens’ willingness to contribute to its growth. Paying tax is not punishment—it is partnership,” he urged. With renewed faith in governance, reformed systems that prioritize transparency, and responsible citizenship, the Tinubu administration is constructing a Nigeria that functions efficiently, pays its own way, and sustains its development trajectory.
This fiscal revolution extends beyond mere numbers; it embodies a paradigm shift towards accountability, innovation, and self-reliance. As global economic headwinds persist, Nigeria’s proactive reforms under the APC-led government signal a departure from complacency. The FIRS’s successes are not isolated achievements but integral components of a broader strategy to diversify revenue streams, reduce oil dependency, and foster an environment where businesses thrive and individuals prosper.
Oladejo’s statement also implicitly addresses critics who view tax reforms with skepticism, countering that such measures are essential for equitable development. By ensuring that the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share while providing incentives for compliance among small-scale operators, the system promotes social justice. Moreover, the emphasis on digital tools democratizes access to tax services, making it easier for remote taxpayers to fulfill obligations without bureaucratic hurdles.
In Lagos, the epicenter of Nigeria’s commercial activity, the APC’s praise resonates deeply. The state’s own history of fiscal prudence under Tinubu’s leadership inspires confidence that national-scale implementation will yield similar dividends. As revenue inflows stabilize budgets, governments at all levels can prioritize people-centered projects over debt servicing.
Ultimately, the APC’s commendation paints a picture of optimism grounded in action. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, through the revitalized FIRS, is not just rebuilding Nigeria brick by brick—it is erecting a fortress of economic independence. Citizens are encouraged to view tax payment as an investment in their collective future, a partnership that will usher in an era of sustained growth, reduced inequality, and enhanced national pride. With these reforms gaining momentum, Nigeria stands poised to emerge as a model of fiscal resilience in Africa and beyond.
