The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in sustaining a strong tax system. It stated that the integrity and collaboration of the judiciary are vital to Nigeria’s tax framework.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, represented by Muhammad Abubakar, the Coordinating Director of the Services Support Group, remarked that “for our tax system to be effective, it requires the unwavering support and integrity of our judiciary.” He made this statement during the opening ceremony of the High Impact Interactive Conference with Justices and Judges, organized by the FIRS in partnership with the National Judicial Institute in Abuja on Monday. He further noted that the judiciary “acts as the guardian of justice and fairness in our society. Your role in interpreting tax laws, adjudicating disputes, and ensuring compliance is essential in fostering trust within our tax system.”
“By upholding the rule of law and delivering equitable judgments, you strengthen the confidence of citizens and businesses alike, encouraging them to meet their tax obligations,” he added.
Abubakar urged the judiciary to remain dedicated to delivering fair and accountable rulings. In comments to journalists following the opening ceremony, he also reiterated that this year, the FIRS is on track to meet its target of N19.4 trillion. He mentioned, “We anticipate that by 2025, the government may consider increasing the target, so we must be prepared.”
He continued, “This conference is one of the avenues we are using to prepare for next year, as numerous developments are expected, including new laws that will be enforced starting January 2025.”
In her speech, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urged all national institutions bringing cases to the courts to remember that successful adjudication often depends on the thoroughness of the presenting institution. She acknowledged that while this conference is essential for building capacity and deepening understanding of sector-specific issues like taxation, “it does not absolve the relevant agencies of their responsibility to perform diligently and, when necessary, adjust their processes.”
She expressed concern that “despite benefiting from international structures, significant gaps remain between global tax strategies and Nigeria’s domestic tax framework, particularly concerning the digital economy. Therefore, this conference aims to explore ways to bridge these gaps while safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s domestic tax system.”
The Chief Justice also underscored the importance of continuous judicial education on specialized topics such as taxation, urging judges to maintain consistency in their rulings to promote transparency and reinforce fairness within the system.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice highlighted that the collaboration between the judiciary and tax administrators reflects a shared commitment to national progress.