The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have pledged to strengthen their partnership in a bid to enhance Nigeria’s tax compliance system and protect public funds.

This commitment was restated on Tuesday, September 9, when FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, paid a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. Adedeji stressed that only through effective collaboration between government agencies could the country maintain financial stability and foster citizens’ trust in the tax system.

“We cannot chase 200 million Nigerians one by one to fulfill their obligations, but we can build structures that encourage compliance. Your role is critical in ensuring that those who choose to ignore the law face consequences,” he told EFCC leadership.

Adedeji noted that voluntary tax compliance would improve if Nigerians saw how tax revenue was being put to use.

He emphasized that the FIRS’ recent success in meeting revenue targets was the result of preventive measures and joint efforts with other institutions, particularly the EFCC.

In his remarks, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, assured of the agency’s readiness to support the tax authority.

“Collaboration is crucial. When the public sees EFCC working alongside FIRS, it sends a strong message that things have changed,” Olukoyede said.

He cited a recent Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the EFCC’s powers to investigate tax fraud, describing it as a significant boost to the commission’s fight against financial crimes.

While clarifying that the EFCC does not determine tax liabilities, he explained that the agency has the mandate to investigate violations and prosecute offenders.

Both institutions reaffirmed their resolve to intensify joint action, with voluntary compliance and preventive enforcement highlighted as the foundation of Nigeria’s tax administration going forward.