The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strengthened its focus on improving tax compliance in Nigeria through a strategic collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). This partnership was announced during the 19th Abuja International Trade Fair, themed “Mobility: Options for Transportation, Trade Finance, and Taxation,” held in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the event, FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, represented by Dr. Lovette Ononuga, Director of Tax Payers Services, praised the ACCI for its efforts in fostering trade and supporting entrepreneurs. “This event highlights the strength and resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs,” Adedeji noted. He further stressed the importance of partnerships like the one between FIRS and ACCI in promoting tax awareness and voluntary compliance across the business community.
“Collaboration is essential for advancing tax advocacy and building a culture of compliance that strengthens the tax system while contributing to business stability and predictability,” Ononuga added. She also highlighted the role of technology in simplifying tax processes, stating, “Automation has made tax compliance easier for businesses to grow and meet their tax obligations.”
Ononuga emphasized FIRS’s commitment to a customer-centric approach, aimed at improving the skills of tax officials to better serve the public.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, welcomed attendees to the trade fair, underscoring its importance as a platform for connecting businesses. “The Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) has become Nigeria’s premier multi-sectoral event, giving both domestic and international exhibitors the chance to showcase products and explore new industry trends,” he said.
This year’s theme underscored the critical role of transportation, trade finance, and taxation in economic development. Obegolu stressed the impact of efficient transportation systems on business operations, saying, “Efficient transportation helps businesses overcome logistical hurdles, streamline supply chains, and cut operational costs.”
Dele Oye, National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), supported the collaboration and called for policies that foster a conducive business environment. “Effective transportation, accessible trade finance, and fair taxation are key to positioning Nigeria as a leader in both regional and global commerce,” Oye stated.
The 12-day fair, featuring over 500 exhibitors and more than 10,000 products, serves as a major trade hub and a valuable venue for networking and knowledge-sharing among business leaders and policymakers.
