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FIRS Set To Introduce E-Invoice System To Enhance Nigeria’s Tax Administration
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced plans to implement a digital solution, the FIRS e-Invoice, aimed at improving tax administration and compliance in Nigeria.
The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji, disclosed this on Wednesday speaking at at the “Emerging Tax Matters” stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in collaboration with FIRS.
According to him, this initiative aligns with the Tax Administration and Enforcement Act of 2007 and is part of the FIRS’ ongoing digital transformation strategy.
Represented by Mrs. Oti Olaniyi, Acting Director of the Medium Taxpayers Department, Adedeji noted that the e-Invoice system would facilitate real-time validation and storage of transactions across business-to-business, business-to-consumer, and business-to-government transactions.
Modernising the Nigerian tax system
The introduction of the e-invoice is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing Nigeria’s tax system, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and better compliance.
Adedeji stated that the evolving tax environment presents both challenges and opportunities and leveraging technology is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable tax system.
“Our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria. As we move forward, we encourage you to support these initiatives with constructive feedback and collaboration.
“By doing so, we can all build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone,” he said.
Tax reforms
The FIRS Chairman also highlighted the recent restructuring within the tax agency and the introduction of various tax reforms.
These changes are intended to support sustainable growth and equitable development, particularly by providing tax incentives that stimulate local industries.
Adedeji stressed the importance of transparency in implementing tax incentives, ensuring they align with the country’s broader development goals.
He also pointed out the significant challenges posed by the informal sector, which constitutes a large portion of Nigeria’s economy.
To better engage with this sector, he said the government plans to introduce simplified tax regimes and registration incentives to encourage small and micro-businesses to participate in the formal tax system.
LCCI calls for collaboration
In his remarks, LCCI President Mr. Gabriel Idahosa commended FIRS for its ongoing reforms and urged for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Idahosa noted that Nigeria’s tax system has undergone significant transformations aimed at boosting revenue, simplifying compliance, and addressing the country’s fiscal challenges.
According to him, under its new leadership, FIRS has set an ambitious target of increasing tax collection by 57%, aiming for N19.4 trillion in revenue in 2024.
Currently, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio stands at 10.86%, but the government hopes to raise this to 18% over the next three years through these reforms.
Idahosa stressed that achieving this goal will require coordinated efforts between both the public and private sectors. He also recommended that tax policies should support business innovation and competitiveness.
“Recommending tax breaks for wage increases and removing barriers to foreign currency-denominated transactions can create a more robust investment environment,” he added.
He further emphasized the need for trust between the government and citizens, stating that transparency and fairness in the tax system are crucial for encouraging compliance.
“For these reforms to succeed, businesses and citizens must embrace a culture of tax compliance,” Idahosa concluded.
Nairametrics had reported that the FIRS in the first four months of this year failed to reach the approved target for the 2024 budget of N9.96 trillion, with a monthly average of N829.97 billion from oil taxes.
Based on the approved 2024 budget, FIRS is meant to have collected N3.32 trillion in oil taxes between January and April this year but the agency is farther from this goal by N1.69 trillion, an amount more than what it collected.
The FIRS recorded a total of N1.63 trillion as tax revenue from the oil sector between January and April 2024, which is 49% of the approved goal.
Lower than the approved budgetary goal, the FIRS has an internal goal of N7.5 trillion for the entire year, with a monthly average of N625 billion.
This means that the agency should have an internal four-month tax revenue goal of N2.5 trillion. However, it only recorded about 65% of its four-month goal.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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