FIRS, NUJ FCT strengthen partnership on Tax education, public enlightenment

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger ties with stakeholders especially the media as part of ongoing reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria’s tax administration among the most trusted and efficient globally.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by FIRS delegation led by the Director Intergovernmental Relations who was represented by Mr. Okim Thomas Eka to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Tuesday in Abuja said the agency’s new stakeholder management department was created to foster stronger collaboration and improve communication with partners, including the media.

“We want to establish contact with relevant stakeholders of FIRS and build strong ties with you in our endeavor to be one of the best revenue services in the world. Our job is stakeholder management—listening, engaging, and escalating issues for resolution. That is why we reached out to journalists as key partners.” Okim said.

He noted that in the past year, FIRS had held engagements with the U.S. Embassy, Russia, France, Unilever Nigeria, and Julius Berger, among others, to strengthen relationships and exchange best practices.

Highlighting areas of possible collaboration with the NUJ, Okim listed capacity building for journalists, joint public enlightenment campaigns, and combating misinformation on tax policies as top priorities. He added that with Nigeria transitioning to a new Nigeria Revenue Service framework by January 2026, public sensitization was critical.

“Between now and January 2026, we are hoping the transition will be fully in place. There will be structural changes, branding, and new ways of doing things. The media has a crucial role to play in educating the public and countering misinformation,” he explained.

Members of the delegation includes ; Al-Amin Dadi, Usman Ibrahim, Halima Umar Kaita and Titilayo Opeyemi -Yusuf

On her part, Chairperson of NUJ FCT, Grace Ike, welcomed the partnership, stressing the need for continuous public sensitization on Nigeria’s tax reforms.

“The essence is to promote a tax-conscious citizenry. Many Nigerians are not fully aware of the recently signed tax reforms. Through collaboration with FIRS, we can simplify and disseminate accurate information to the public,” she said.

The NUJ leadership also proposed the establishment of an information-sharing desk between both organizations, a quarterly media roundtable, a Town Hall and the introduction of an annual tax week featuring seminars, school outreaches, and recognition awards for compliant taxpayers.

Vice Chairman of NUJ FCT noted that such initiatives would help “bridge the information gap, promote voluntary tax compliance, and improve public trust in FIRS.”

The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to develop a framework for implementation before the end of 2025