The Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Muhammad Nami, has stated that the agency is working towards “developing a robust digitalisation roadmap”.
He said FIRS would match on to digitalise the tax process fully, adding that the cooperation of the three tiers of government, the citizens and corporate organisations in the country is key for the success of the digitalization drive.
Nami made this statement during his welcome address at the just concluded 1st Annual Tax Dialogue whose theme was “Taxation in a Post-Covid Economy” held at banquet hall, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
“The FIRS started the journey to automation several years ago when it launched “Project Fact”. Several other initiatives were launched to further take advantage of evolving technology in taxpayer registration, online payment platforms, remote filing of returns, etc. However, there was very limited success with the various initiatives due to inadequate statutory framework,” he said.
“A quantum leap was achieved with the 2020 Finance Act which copiously provided legal grounds for deployment of technology in tax administration. The Service is grateful to the President, the leadership of the National Assembly, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and all other stakeholders that worked together to enact the necessary laws.
“The Service is taking advantage of the new law to embark on studies (with the assistance of friendly tax authorities and international tax organisations) with a view to developing a robust digitalisation roadmap. The roadmap will enable the Service to digitalise its whole operations (end-to-end) in a systematic, coherent and efficient manner.
“There is so much to look forward to in the coming years. The FIRS is starting this decade with the resolve to leapfrog tax administration into the digital age. Ladies and gentlemen, we are banking on your continued support as we embark on this onerous journey.”
