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FIRS Pushes for Legislative Reform to Simplify Revenue Collection and Regulate Cryptocurrency in Nigeria

By Barnabas Esiet.

Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is drafting an executive bill to overhaul revenue administration, including regulating the cryptocurrency industry.

FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, announced this at a stakeholders’ engagement with the National Assembly’s joint committee on finance in Lagos.

The bill aims to; Simplify tax laws, harmonize revenue collection and replace obsolete tax laws with new ones reflecting current economic realities

Adedeji emphasized the need to update laws like the 1939 Stamp Duty Act, which is outdated for modern society. He also highlighted the importance of regulating the cryptocurrency ecosystem, which currently lacks governing laws in Nigeria.

Adedeji commended the collaboration between FIRS and the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to maximize revenue collection and support national development.

He also disclosed that the FIRS is on track to achieve its 2024 revenue target of N19.4 trillion.

Senate Committee on Finance Chairman, Sani Musa, suggested that FIRS should be the regulating and collecting agency for all federal taxes.

He praised the National Single Window program for addressing inefficiencies in revenue collection.

House of Representatives member, James Faleke commended Adedeji’s leadership and the collaboration between FIRS and the National Assembly.

He emphasized the importance of citizens contributing to the national purse to achieve development and public welfare.

The proposed bill and stakeholders’ engagement demonstrate Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its revenue administration and address the challenges of the digital age.

L-R….Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Tayo Koleosho; chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa; and FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.

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