The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the African Regional Technical Assistance Centre West 2 (AFRITAC West 2) have reinforced their partnership to enhance taxpayer services and advance digital reforms in Nigeria’s tax administration. This development was highlighted during the 12th regional meeting and field visit of the AFRITAC West 2 Steering Committee hosted at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja.
The FIRS hosted the AFRITAC West 2 (AFW2) Steering Committee at its headquarters in Abuja, as part of the committee’s 12th regional meeting and field visit.
The visit marked a milestone in the growing partnership between FIRS and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), facilitated through AFRITAC West 2.
It also provided a platform for sharing lessons, exchanging ideas, and reinforcing a shared commitment to building stronger, more responsive public institutions across West Africa.
Special adviser on Communications and Advocacy to the FIRS chairman, Collins Omokaro, on Wednesday, stated that the collaboration with AFRITAC West 2 over the past year has delivered measurable outcomes across key institutional reform areas.
“FIRS has successfully integrated behavioral insights to improve taxpayer services, reframing taxation as a civic duty rather than a burden,” the statement noted.
It added that with guidance from AFW2, the Service has conducted a detailed Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue gap analysis, which has improved policy design and compliance strategies.
The collaboration has also enhanced FIRS’ audit capabilities. According to the agency, specialised audit training has been delivered for high-risk sectors such as finance, with plans underway to extend similar capacity-building efforts to the telecommunications sector.
In terms of technological advancement, FIRS reported progress in digital project portfolio management, which has helped streamline the way tax reforms are planned and monitored. The Service also highlighted the introduction of a more integrated strategic framework that aligns departmental objectives with Nigeria’s national revenue targets.
The FIRS reaffirmed that the partnership with AFRITAC West 2 remains central to its transformation into a modern, efficient, and citizen-focused tax authority—one that supports Nigeria’s broader economic reform agenda.
