By Adekunle Dada,Bayo Olupohunda
Copyright legit
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have sent a strong message to fraudstersThe EFCC and FIRS have promised to work together and strengthen their alliance to enforce voluntary tax compliance in the countryThe leaders of the two federal government agencies pledged to consolidate their working relationship
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja – The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have strengthened their alliance to enforce Nigeria’s tax compliance framework.
The two federal agencies renewed their commitment to closer collaboration to strengthen and safeguard public revenue.
The FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in sustaining financial stability and building trust in Nigeria’s revenue system.
Adedeji stated this during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
In a statement made available to Legit.ng, Adedeji said:
“We cannot pursue 200 million Nigerians individually to do the right thing, but we want to put a system in place that will aid compliance.
“You can help us by letting people know that when they violate the law, there is a place you can keep them. On behalf of the President and Nigerians, we thank you for your support and seek even deeper cooperation.”
According to the FIRS boss, compliance would only improve if Nigerians saw tangible results from taxes.
“The main advertisement of voluntary compliance is when people begin to see what we use the money we collect for. In achieving that goal, you are critical, not just in arresting defaulters but in supporting our Department of Fraud Risk, Assessment and Control to ensure value for money.”
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, assured Adedeji of continuous collaboration while pointing to a recent Court of Appeal judgement.
Olukoyede said the judgement affirmed EFCC’s authority to investigate tax fraud.
He described the ruling as a major boost to their mandate.
“Collaboration is very key. When they see EFCC beside FIRS, that will send a signal to the public that it is no longer business as usual.
“We are not assessors of tax liabilities, but we can investigate non-compliance and push assessment issues back to you. Our duty remains prevention, investigation, and prosecution of financial crimes. Synergy is therefore essential.”
Both leaders pledged to consolidate their working relationship, reinforcing preventive measures and voluntary compliance as pillars of Nigeria’s tax system.
EFCC, ICPC get backing to probe Kano officials
Recall that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have received massive support in Kano state.
The Forum of Kano Civil Society Organizations Against Corruption backed the EFCC and ICPC to probe Kano state officials involved in the alleged N6.5bn diversion.
Some Civil society groups staged a protest over the alleged financial scandals involving Kano government officials on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
EFCC declares Atiku’s son-in-law wanted
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the EFCC declared Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, a son-in-law to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and a businessman, wanted.
According to the anti-graft agency, the businessman is to answer questions on money laundering and criminal conspiracy allegations.
Appealing to the public for help in locating Bashir-Haske, the EFFC said he was last seen at his residences in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos
Source: Legit.ng
