by Arabinrin Aderonke, ANIPR
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has embarked on a restructuring effort to better serve taxpayers and enhance revenue collection. This initiative includes the introduction of a new slogan, “Simplifying Tax, Maximizing Revenue,” which replaces the previous slogan, “It Pays To Pay Your Tax.” This change shows FIRS’s commitment to a more taxpayer-friendly approach.
The decision to change the slogan stems from a recognition of the need to better align FIRS’s message with its mission and goals. By moving away from the previous slogan, “It Pays To Pay Your Tax,” FIRS aims to communicate a more proactive and customer-centric approach to tax administration. This change underscores the agency’s commitment to simplifying tax procedures and making them more accessible to all Nigerians.
With this new direction, expectations from FIRS are high. Taxpayers can anticipate a more user-friendly and transparent tax system that reduces complexities and enhances their overall experience.
During the unveiling of the new slogan, Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji made it clear that improving customer service is a top priority. He introduced the Customer Service Optimization Committee, a new team dedicated to ensuring that FIRS provides Nigerians with efficient and transparent support. Adedeji’s leadership is focused on building trust and accountability, key factors that help encourage voluntary compliance with tax obligations. His commitment to making FIRS more responsive and helpful shows his understanding that the agency needs to be more than just a tax collector; it needs to be a service-oriented organization that truly cares about the experience of taxpayers.
The benefits of these initiatives are manifold. Simplified tax processes mean that taxpayers will spend less time and effort on compliance, leading to increased satisfaction. For FIRS, a more efficient and transparent system is expected to result in higher voluntary compliance rates, thereby maximizing revenue collection.
Looking at all the recent changes within FIRS, it’s clear that Zacch Adedeji’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a more taxpayer-friendly environment. His moves demonstrate a genuine commitment to making things easier for all Nigerians. It’s not just about paperwork and procedures; it’s about making sure that every Nigerian can navigate the tax system with ease and confidence.
Adedeji’s dedication to improving the citizen’s tax experience is commendable. By prioritizing transparency and efficiency, he’s not only transforming FIRS from within but also making a positive impact on our everyday lives. With these changes, we can expect smoother processes, clearer communication, and, ultimately, a stronger financial footing for our nation.
_Arabinrin Aderonke ANIPR is an Award-Winning investigative journalist, 2016 Finalist CNN African Journalist Award. She currently serves as Technical Assistant, Broadcast Media at Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). She writes from Abuja.
