The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has reaffirmed the crucial role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in strengthening voluntary tax compliance across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this known during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He explained that the newly signed Tax Acts, which will take effect in January 2026, will transform the agency into the Nigerian Revenue Service.

During the meeting, both agencies renewed their commitment to closer collaboration aimed at improving Nigeria’s tax compliance framework and safeguarding public revenue.

Adedeji stressed that effective inter-agency cooperation is vital for financial stability and for building public trust in the revenue system.

“We cannot pursue 200 million Nigerians individually to do the right thing, but we want to put systems in place that will aid compliance,” he said. “You can help us by ensuring that when people break the law, there are consequences. On behalf of the President and Nigerians, we thank you for your support and seek deeper cooperation.”

He added that voluntary compliance would improve when taxpayers see visible results from government revenue usage. According to him, “The best advertisement for voluntary compliance is when people begin to see how their taxes are being put to work. To achieve this, EFCC’s role is critical, not just in prosecuting offenders but also in supporting our Fraud Risk, Assessment and Control Department to ensure value for money.”

Adedeji further credited Nigeria’s success in meeting its revenue target ahead of schedule to preventive strategies and partnerships with agencies such as the EFCC, noting that the milestone was “a collective achievement.”

President Bola Tinubu had earlier disclosed that the Federal Government achieved its revenue target for the year by August, with about N20tn already collected, largely from non-oil sources.

In his response, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, assured FIRS of continuous collaboration.

“Collaboration is key. When the public sees EFCC working side by side with FIRS, it will send a clear message that it is no longer business as usual,” he stated.

He also highlighted a recent Court of Appeal ruling affirming EFCC’s authority to investigate tax fraud, describing it as a major boost to the commission’s mandate.

“We are not assessors of tax liabilities, but we can investigate non-compliance and refer assessment issues back to FIRS. Our responsibility remains the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of financial crimes. Synergy is therefore essential,” Olukoyede explained.

Both leaders pledged to strengthen their partnership, focusing on preventive measures and voluntary compliance as the pillars of Nigeria’s tax system.