The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, described the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation as a key partner in advancing tax compliance, accountability, and revenue generation in Nigeria.

Adedeji noted that the OAGF’s strategic role in overseeing financial controls and disbursements across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies placed it at the forefront of efforts to safeguard tax revenues from leakages and misappropriation.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the FIRS-OAGF stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, themed “Enhancing Tax Compliance through Collaboration,” Adedeji emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening the nation’s tax system.

He highlighted that beyond serving as the federal government’s treasurer, the AGF also functions as the chief accounting officer, responsible for financial reporting and the effective management of public funds.

He expressed concern that, despite the introduction of advanced payment platforms like the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the FIRS TaxPro MAX, gaps still exist in the deduction of withholding tax, remittance of VAT, and proper administration of stamp duties by MDAs.

He noted that these gaps—largely stemming from technical limitations and a lack of understanding of tax compliance requirements—have led to substantial revenue losses and recurring audit challenges.

The FIRS Chairman described the workshop as more than a platform for knowledge sharing, calling it a strategic turning point to collaboratively develop solutions that address existing gaps and foster a smarter, more efficient, and technology-driven tax compliance culture in Nigeria.

Adedeji said, “When government institutions are tax-compliant, the message it sends to the private sector and to citizens is powerful – that no one is above the law, and that transparency begins at home.

“Our credibility as public institutions is tested, first, by our own adherence to tax regulations. If we must grow revenue to meet our national development priorities, then we must begin by ensuring that public sector actors play by the rules and help others do the same.

“That is why this engagement is not another conference, it is a joint mission. It is a collaborative task to standardise systems, deepen understanding, address operational inefficiencies, and align our collective responsibilities within the public finance management ecosystem.”

He emphasized that the success of the engagement would be measured not just by the quality of discussions, but by the concrete actions that follow.

Adedeji urged participants to commit to strengthening collaboration between FIRS and the OAGF, establishing clear reporting and escalation channels for tax remittance lapses, integrating tax compliance education into the training of public finance officers, and creating feedback mechanisms to ensure that both GIFMIS and TaxPro MAX evolve to effectively serve their shared objectives.