By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening taxpayers’ understanding of the new tax reforms through education, engagement, and collaboration.

Speaking with journalists at the second edition of the Emerging Taxpayers Group Tax Clinic held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Abuja, Angela Edeko, from the office of the Coordinating Director, Emerging Taxpayers Group, said the essence of the event was to enhance voluntary compliance and foster a better relationship between taxpayers and the tax authority.

“We are gathered here for the second edition of the Tax Clinic organized by the Emerging Taxpayers Group,” Edeko explained. “The aim is to deepen knowledge on voluntary tax compliance, especially now that several key reforms have been introduced into Nigeria’s tax laws.”

Edeko noted that the Tax Clinic also serves as a platform for collaboration among various government agencies, professional bodies, and business stakeholders.

“It’s a forum that brings everyone together — the FIRS, relevant agencies, and professionals — to engage directly with taxpayers,” she added.

Responding to questions on whether the initiative would improve compliance, Edeko said the FIRS was deliberately shifting focus from enforcement to customer-centricity.

“This is the right step,” she said. “We are moving from enforcement to education. Before you enforce, you must first educate and create awareness. This forum helps taxpayers understand their rights, obligations, and responsibilities.”

Also speaking, Adesola Yeye Oyinloye-Ndu, Special Adviser to the FIRS Executive Chairman on Customer Centricity, said the Tax Clinic aligns with the agency’s goal of making taxpayers central to its reform strategy.

“The Tax Clinic allows taxpayers to understand their rights and liabilities under the new tax reforms,” she stated. “Trust is already embedded in our reform framework — when taxpayers trust the system, compliance naturally increases. We’ve seen this model work in countries like Sweden.”

Oyinloye-Ndu emphasized that the FIRS’ customer-centric approach ensures taxpayers are treated as partners in national development.

“We often say ‘the customer is king,’ but beyond that, taxpayers are now at the centre of everything we do,” she said. “Our systems and processes are being redesigned to make their experience seamless and efficient.”

In the same vein, Mrs. Yidiat Oyeniyi Fadeke, Director, Emerging Taxpayers Department, FCT, explained that the Tax Clinic — themed “Tax Clarity and Transitioning to the National Revenue System (NRS)” — was designed to simplify complex tax concepts and promote voluntary compliance.

“Before now, compliance was often hindered by the complexity of tax laws,” she said. “The new reforms have simplified these laws. Our motto, ‘Simplify Tax and Maximize Revenue,’ captures our goal — to ensure every taxpayer understands the laws and their obligations.”

Fadeke added that the initiative promotes collaboration and open dialogue between the FIRS, businesses, and professionals to strengthen the culture of voluntary compliance.

Other speakers at the event, including Mr. Ken Nwokike, Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Africa, commended the FIRS for its proactive approach in engaging taxpayers and simplifying Nigeria’s tax system.