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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is advancing a shift from traditional enforcement tactics to a proactive, citizen-centric approach in its interaction with taxpayers, as part of a broader compliance management strategy.
This direction was unveiled by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, during the recently concluded 2025 Emerging Taxpayers’ Group (ETG) Tax Clinic. The event served as a platform for introducing targeted regulatory engagement and compliance training initiatives aimed at demystifying tax obligations, especially for emerging businesses and informal sector participants.
Held under the theme “Tax Clinic for Tax Clarity,” the forum brought together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and key players from the informal economy. Dr. Adedeji emphasized the Service’s commitment to replacing enforcement-heavy methods with inclusive engagement that promotes voluntary compliance through education and transparency.
“When citizens understand their rights, obligations, and the impact of taxes on national development, compliance becomes an act of civic duty rather than a burden,” he stated.
The ETG Tax Clinic aligns with FIRS’s broader regulatory compliance strategy, integrating digital tools such as the TaxPro-Max platform and leveraging taxpayer segmentation for better service delivery. These innovations reflect the agency’s focus on regulatory technology solutions that streamline compliance workflows and reduce barriers to tax administration.
A standout feature of the clinic was the establishment of Interactive Support Desks, designed to provide real-time assistance to participants. These desks were manned by representatives from key institutions, including the FIRS Taxpayer Service, TaxPro-Max technical support, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Joint Tax Board (JTB), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Through these support touchpoints, attendees were able to resolve filing issues, navigate compliance software, access guidance on Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and complete National Identification Number (NIN)registration—key steps in regulatory compliance processes.
The event featured multiple expert-led sessions and panel discussions on pressing issues within the Nigerian tax landscape. These included topics on debunking tax myths, improving record-keeping systems, addressing dispute resolution mechanisms, and reinforcing internal controls for small businesses.
Among the speakers were Segun Kadiri, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Azeez Alatoye of Ascension Professional Services; and Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, who delivered an in-depth presentation on the legal frameworks supporting tax compliance and dispute resolution.
Dr. Adedeji urged participants to take full advantage of the resources and insights shared during the clinic, noting that inclusive engagement contributes to both individual success and national economic growth.
A statement from FIRS affirmed its continued dedication to regulatory change management, simplifying tax administration, and promoting a culture of voluntary tax compliance. Through forward-looking initiatives like the ETG Tax Clinic, the agency is laying the groundwork for a more transparent, responsive, and people-focused regulatory framework.
By embracing compliance automation and stakeholder collaboration, FIRS is positioning itself as a driver of effective regulatory risk management and sustainable revenue generation.
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