"FIRS and Security Agencies Strengthen Partnership Ahead of January 1 Deadline"

Table of Contents

1. Partnership with Security Agencies
2. Special Enforcement Division's Role
3. Need for Greater Synergy
4. Addressing Equipment and Logistics Gaps
5. Strengthening Collaborative Capacity
6. Impact of Insecurity on Revenue
7. Link Between Security and Taxation

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strengthened its partnership with key security agencies as Nigeria prepares to implement the National Revenue Service (NRS) Act on January 1, 2026. This collaboration is essential for fighting tax evasion and safeguarding national revenue assets.

During a multi-agency meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, the Head of the FIRS Special Enforcement Division, CSP Kyes Bakfur, emphasized that the shift to a new revenue framework necessitates “enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated field operations” among all security agencies.

Bakfur pointed out that the Special Enforcement Division has consistently safeguarded FIRS facilities across the nation and has led investigations into tax-related criminal activities.

“This year alone, our division has successfully carried out enforcement operations that contributed to the overall revenue collection efforts of FIRS,” he remarked.

He elaborated that a stronger collaboration is required with agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the Federal Special Unit (FSU), especially as modern tax enforcement heavily depends on shared intelligence.

“Our expectation is to establish a more mutually beneficial relationship,” he told reporters.

“The primary objective of this meeting was to ensure that security agencies involved in tackling tax evasion can collaborate with us to create a more robust tax enforcement agenda throughout Nigeria.”

In response to concerns regarding equipment and logistics deficiencies, Bakfur reassured attendees that these issues are being addressed. “The Executive Chairman of the FIRS has taken measures to resolve this for us,” he stated.

A consultant to FIRS, Mr. Oladipo Olayemi, mentioned that the session aimed to enhance collaborative capabilities rather than highlight internal challenges.

“We have informed the security agencies on how to establish a cooperative synergy with the FIRS. Increased revenue generation means more resources will be allocated to the security agencies, enabling us all to live in a safer environment,” he explained.

While recognizing problems like bribery and misconduct between agencies, Olayemi insisted that the focus should remain on progress. “We are not fixating on the negatives; we are concentrating on our future direction and how we can work together to ensure security is maintained and revenue is generated effectively.”

In his presentation on inter-agency collaboration, he cautioned that insecurity—including smuggling, illegal mining, oil theft, cyber-enabled fraud, and illicit financial flows—continues to undermine national revenue.

“Intelligence is crucial. We can assist them in uncovering every tax evasion network,” he stated, advocating for joint taskforces, coordinated compliance operations, and enhanced information sharing.

Olayemi highlighted the connection between security and taxation. “A secure environment is essential for revenue authorities to perform their duties effectively,” he noted. “We must view ourselves as collaborators to ensure that the revenue generation process remains uninterrupted.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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