FIRS: Adedeji outlines strategic roadmap to achieving N25.2trn 2025 target

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has outlined a strategic roadmap, anchored on three critical pillars that would enable the Service to actualize the N25.2 trillion revenue target set for it by the Federal Government.

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zach Adedeji gave detailed breakdown of how the Service intends to achieve the goal in a keynote address on Thursday at the FIRS 2025 management retreat in Abuja.

He informed that the FIRS would leverage technology to enhance its operations in 2025 with the aim of blocking leakages in the system and ramp up revenue collection.

Dr. Adedeji, while delving into the deployment of technological advancement said, “Technology will drive our transformation in 2025. By expanding our integrated tax administration systems, unifying national platforms on collection, leveraging emerging technologies, and enhancing taxpayer-facing platforms, we will create seamless, efficient, and transparent processes that redefine the taxpayer experience”.

Explaining how one of the critical pillars, capacity building and training, would assist in the transformation process, the Executive Chairman of the FIRS said, “We will empower our workforce with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to excel in modern tax administration.

“Through targeted, high-impact training programmes, aligned with global best practices, we will enable you to navigate complexities, embrace innovation, and provide stellar service to taxpayers.”

Dr. Adedeji highlighted that infrastructure and facility enhancement would a big role in accomplishing the goals.

“This year, we will continue to invest in revitalising our workspaces, ensuring they reflect the vision of a world-class institution. From modernized offices to sustainable practices, our facilities will serve as an environment that fosters excellence and productivity,” the FIRS boss stressed.

He explained that these critical pillars are not just “abstract ideas, but practical, actionable objectives that will be realized in every group, department, and operation within the Service.

“They represent a unified direction for the FIRS, one that prioritizes excellence, innovation,and impact”.

The FIRS Executive Chairman urged the management to embrace 2025 with courage and purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and possibilities into achievements, and assured that “Together, we will propel FIRS to unparalleled heights, setting a new benchmark for distinction and redefining what success means.”

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Looking back, he acknowledged that the FIRS closed the chapter of 2024 with an achievement that will forever be recorded in the history of the Service: “the record-breaking generation of N21.7 trillion in revenue, surpassing our target of N19.4 trillion.”

Dr. Adedeji noted that this was no small feat, but the result of staff resilience, professionalism, and dedication, coupled with visionary leadership and a strategic focus on the pillars of people, technology, and processes.

He added, “But let me remind you that this success is not just ours to celebrate. The FIRS is more than a revenue authority; it is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic stability, a vital pillar upholding Nigeria’s progress, and an agent of renewed hope for all Nigerians.

“Our work enables the delivery of critical infrastructure, social services, and opportunities that transform lives. We are not just staff members; we are agents of the nation, entrusted with a responsibility that goes far beyond the walls of this organization.

“The year 2024 was pivotal in laying a solid foundation for transforming the Federal Inland Revenue Service into a globally recognized, efficient, and trusted revenue authority. It marked a period of strategic growth, positioning the Service as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic progress.

“As we step confidently into 2025, we must carry forward the momentum of these achievements with renewed energy, a clear vision, and a meticulously designed roadmap”.

Dr. Adedeji stated that the focus in 2025 would be on consolidating and institutionalizing the internal strengths to ensure long-term resilience and operational excellence.

He stressed that “This year, our mission is both ambitious and transformative: to build a service of excellence defined by the expertise of our people, the modernization of our facilities, and the innovative use of technology to enhance our processes.”

Dr. Adedeji reiterated that this mission is not just about sustaining the FIRS past success but about consistently elevating impact and solidifying the position as a model revenue authority on the global stage.

The Coordinating Director, Large Tax Group, Amina Ado while setting the context, gave an overview of 2024 revenue collection, retrospective look at achievements and challenges, and revenue targets for 2025.

She expressed optimism that the FIRS would achieved the N25.2 trillion revenue target for 2025 as it did last year.

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