The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has challenged global leaders to tackle the rising cross-border crimes that have disrupted revenue mobilization and economic growth.
Adedeji made the call at the 42nd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crimes held at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Adedeji stated that cross-border tax crimes have undermined countries’ efforts to raise revenue for development and distort fair competition.
He noted that compliant companies pay a higher cost for business and appear less profitable due to the unfair practices of companies that engage in cross-border tax crimes.
The FIRS chairman highlighted the fiscal reforms embarked upon by the current administration, which aim to build a vibrant and prosperous economy.
He mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has assented to four landmark tax reform bills, which modernize Nigeria’s economic laws and enhance transparency.
The FIRS chairman also emphasized the technological transformation program launched by the tax body, which includes tax data automation, e-invoicing, real-time analytics, AI-driven anomaly detection, and integrated third-party data matching.
These tools aim to simplify compliance for taxpayers while making evasion more difficult for offenders.
Dr. Adedeji’s call to action highlights the need for global leaders to work together to tackle cross-border crimes and ensure that countries can raise revenue for development and economic growth.
The FIRS’ efforts to modernize Nigeria’s tax laws and administration demonstrate its commitment to combating economic crimes and promoting fiscal sovereignty.
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