The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has received high praise from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its ongoing reforms and measurable progress in modernising tax administration and boosting revenue collection in Nigeria. The commendation came during the IMF-supported Headquarters Mission visit held on Wednesday at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja.

Senior Economist at the Fiscal Affairs Department of the IMF, Paulo Paz, lauded FIRS for its “good work in delivering services to citizens” under the leadership of Chairman Zacch Adedeji. He noted that the global institution was particularly impressed with the agency’s performance, especially amid Nigeria’s recent tax reforms, and pledged continued support in ensuring sustained improvements.



According to Paz, the purpose of the IMF mission is to explore areas where the Fund can offer deeper technical support, especially as FIRS implements four newly signed tax laws. These laws are expected to significantly expand Nigeria’s tax base and enhance the relevance of the tax administration in the country’s fiscal structure.

“Our take on the four tax laws is first recognition of the very good work that FIRS has been providing to citizens. You now have not just recognition but also a bigger responsibility. These powerful laws will increase the relevance of tax administration in Nigeria,” Paz stated.

He assured that the IMF would continue to walk alongside FIRS as it takes on these new responsibilities. “We are here to help,” he affirmed.


Speaking on behalf of the FIRS Chairman, Chief of Staff Tayo Koleosho expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support and reaffirmed that the collaboration would continue even as the agency transitions into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in 2026—a move aimed at consolidating tax functions under one central authority.

He acknowledged the IMF’s technical assistance in areas such as portfolio management, compliance automation, and the digital transformation of tax processes, particularly the automation of Value Added Tax (VAT) collection.

Bolaji Akintola, Coordinating Director of the FIRS Corporate Services Group, revealed that the partnership between the IMF and FIRS had already led to tangible results. She highlighted the successful implementation of two systemic evaluations using the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) between 2018 and 2023.

“The 2023 TADAT showed significant improvement over the 2018 assessment, which is a clear testament to our commitment to institutional excellence,” Akintola noted. “If another TADAT is conducted today, the result will be even better.”

She added that several previously weak indicators identified in the last review have already been addressed and codified in the recent tax laws signed by President Bola Tinubu.


Observers believe that these reforms, coupled with FIRS’s digitalisation drive, are critical to improving Nigeria’s dismal tax-to-GDP ratio—currently one of the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts hope that stronger systems and improved compliance will help the country unlock more domestic revenue, reduce reliance on borrowing, and fund critical infrastructure and social services.

With the IMF’s continued backing, and institutional efforts by FIRS to build capacity, improve transparency, and close loopholes, Nigeria’s tax system may finally be on the path to long-term efficiency and inclusivity.