The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strengthened its partnership with key security agencies in preparation for the implementation of the National Revenue Service (NRS) Act on January 1, 2026. The collaboration aims to combat tax evasion and protect national revenue assets.
At a recent multi-agency engagement in Lagos, the Head of the FIRS Special Enforcement Division, CSP Kyes Bakfur, emphasized the need for “deepened cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated field operations” across all security formations. The Special Enforcement Division has been instrumental in protecting FIRS facilities nationwide and investigating tax-related crimes. This year, the division has successfully executed enforcement operations that have contributed to the broader revenue collection effort of FIRS.
Bakfur noted that greater synergy is needed with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the Federal Special Unit (FSU), particularly as modern tax enforcement relies heavily on shared intelligence. He expressed his expectation of a more symbiotic relationship between the agencies, stating that the main aim of the engagement was to create a robust agenda for tax enforcement across Nigeria.
A consultant to FIRS, Mr. Oladipo Olayemi, explained that the session was designed to strengthen collaborative capacity rather than highlight internal challenges. He emphasized that more revenue generated means more funds will be allocated to security outfits, ultimately leading to a safer environment. Olayemi acknowledged issues such as bribery and inter-agency misconduct but insisted that the focus should remain on progress.
In a presentation on inter-agency collaboration, Olayemi warned that insecurity, including smuggling, illegal mining, oil theft, cyber-enabled fraud, and illicit financial flows, continues to erode national revenue. He stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, joint taskforces, and coordinated compliance operations. Olayemi highlighted the link between security and taxation, noting that a secure environment is necessary for revenue authorities to perform their duties effectively.
The collaboration between FIRS and security agencies is crucial as Nigeria prepares to implement the NRS Act. The success of this partnership will depend on the ability of the agencies to work together seamlessly, sharing intelligence and coordinating their efforts to combat tax evasion and protect national revenue assets. With the implementation of the NRS Act looming, the strengthened alliance between FIRS and security agencies is a significant step towards ensuring a more robust tax enforcement regime in Nigeria.
