The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has deepened its partnership with key security agencies in preparation for the implementation of the National Revenue Service (NRS) Act on 1 January 2026. The collaboration is aimed at combating tax evasion and protecting national revenue assets.
At a recent multi‑agency engagement in Lagos, CSP Kyes Bakfur, Head of the FIRS Special Enforcement Division, called for “deepened cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated field operations” across all security formations. The Special Enforcement Division, which safeguards FIRS facilities nationwide and investigates tax‑related crimes, has this year executed enforcement operations that have bolstered FIRS’s overall revenue collection effort. Bakfur stressed the need for greater synergy with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Federal Special Unit (FSU), noting that modern tax enforcement relies heavily on shared intelligence. He expressed confidence that a more symbiotic relationship would create a robust agenda for tax enforcement across Nigeria.
Consultant to FIRS, Mr Oladipo Olayemi, explained that the session was designed to strengthen collaborative capacity rather than highlight internal challenges. He emphasized that higher revenue generation translates into more funds for security outfits, ultimately fostering a safer environment. While acknowledging issues such as bribery and inter‑agency misconduct, Olayemi insisted the focus should remain on progress.
In his 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 underscored the importance of intelligence sharing, joint task forces and coordinated compliance operations, highlighting the link between security and taxation: a secure environment is essential 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 agencies’ ability to work together seamlessly, sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to combat tax evasion and protect national revenue assets. With the NRS Act’s implementation looming, the strengthened alliance represents a significant step toward a more robust tax enforcement regime in Nigeria.
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