Public-Private Synergy, Necessary For Effective Tax Administration, Says FIRS Boss
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said an improved tax administration and public-private synergies are essential increase to Nigeria’s revenue generation.
Adedeji made the call in his keynote address at the annual NPO Reports dialogue organised by the Publisher, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, in Abuja Tuesday.
Adedeji, who was represented on the occasion by the FIRS’s Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Umar Ahmed, specifically recommended that an improved tax administration will enhance tax collection efficiency, reduce corruption and increase transparency.
He also suggested public-private synergies through the establishment of clear frameworks for Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
He enumerated the pivotal roles the revenue generation and infrastructural development play in overcoming economic challenges, which will attract private investment in infrastructure.
Adedeji said: “Revenue generation and infrastructural development are pivotal to overcoming the challenges of a constrained economy.
“By adopting the transparent, inclusive and efficient strategies, government can unlock economic potential, foster innovation and improve public services.
“Improve Tax Administration: Enhanced tax collection efficiency, reduce corruption and increase transparency.
“Enhance Public-Private Synergies: Establish clear frameworks for PPPs and encourage innovative financing to attract private investment in infrastructure.”
The FIRS chairman also recommended strengthening institutional framework, adoption of digital solutions, and prioritizing strategic projects among others, as necessary steps to overcome the nation’s revenue generation challenges.
“Governments should prioritize capacity-building for regulatory bodies to enhance governance and ensure effective policy implementation.
“They should also adopt digital solutions as leveraging technology for revenue collection and infrastructure management can enhance transparency, reduce corruption and increase efficiency.
“Prioritize Strategic Projects: Focus on high-impact projects that offer maximum economic and social returns, such as transportation, energy, and water supply.
“Foster Inclusivity: Engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure that development initiatives address the needs of all social groups,” Adedeji said.
Meanwhile a former Nigeria’s Postmaster General, Dr. Ismail Adewusi, on the occasion, called for balance between the ongoing economic reforms and social equity Nigerian political merchandise
The ex-Postmaster General of the Federation noted that revenue generation and social equity were dependent of each other as one can not thrive without the other.
According to him, “Revenue generation and social equity are two sides of the same coin; one cannot thrive without the other.
“As we push for reforms, we must ensure that revenue generation does not come at the expense of social equity.”
Adewusi, who also served as Lagos Commissioner for Finance and later Budget and Economic Plannings when President Bola Tinubu was governor, urged the Federal Government to consider subsidizing essential services like electricity and transportation.
He also called for the expansion of access to education and healthcare, as well as inclusive infrastructure investment.
Adewusi said: “Subsidies should be targeted at essential services like electricity and transportation to shield low-income groups.
“Expanding access to education and healthcare, particularly in underserved regions, is critical for reducing inequality.
“Infrastructure investments must be inclusive, ensuring that rural and marginalized communities benefit alongside urban centers.”
The event featured notable panelists including the Executive Director of Upshot Media, Mojeed Jamiu and Senior Research Fellow of Political Science at Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Dr. Hakeem Tijani.
