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January 6, 2025

ICPC Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit at FIRS to Bolster Transparency in Tax Collection

By Innocent Eneta

In a determined effort to strengthen transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s tax collection system, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated a 12-member Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The unit is tasked with ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to unethical practices and corruption within the revenue-collecting agency.

The inauguration, which took place at the Revenue House in Abuja, saw senior officials from both FIRS and ICPC in attendance. The FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Koleosho, emphasized the critical role of the unit in maintaining the integrity of the agency. “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” Adedeji said, urging the newly inducted members to uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in their duties.

In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Adedeji reiterated the agency’s core values, which firmly reject corruption. He charged the unit members to bring integrity to their responsibilities, noting that “the easy part of being a member of FIRS anti-corruption unit has just been done. The real work starts now.”

The unit, which will work in close collaboration with anti-graft agencies, is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the ethical landscape of the FIRS. Coordinating Director of the Support Services Group, Mohammed Lawal Abubakar, assured the unit of continued support, emphasizing the importance of their example in promoting honesty and integrity within the agency.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, Director of System Study and Review, highlighted the responsibilities entrusted to the ACTU. “With this inauguration, the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the FIRS has been empowered to deliver on its mandate which includes: periodic sensitization of staff on the ills of corruption; examination of systems, processes, and procedures that are prone to corruption and offering solutions; developing and reviewing a code of ethics for staff and ensuring compliance with the same; monitoring budget and its implementation by the FIRS, coordinating the deployment of the ethics and integrity scorecards and undertaking preliminary investigation into complaints and reports received,” he stated.

Adigun further clarified that the ACTU is not a parallel authority but rather a partner to the FIRS management, aimed at building a reputable agency. He urged the FIRS to support the unit by providing a conducive environment, necessary funds, and incorporating unit members into various standing committees as mandated by the Federal Government.

Director of the anti-corruption unit, Hajia Sa’adatu Yero, commended Adedeji for his dedication to strengthening the unit. She noted that “ACTU is entrusted with the critical responsibility of preventing corrupt practices within the Service through effective implementation of anti-corruption measures and mechanisms. ACTU strives to eliminate unethical practices, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the operations at FIRS.”

Yero also highlighted the unit’s achievements, including its high rating in the 2022 Ethics and Integrity Scorecard survey, where it scored 79.95%. She expressed confidence that under the leadership of the newly appointed Director-ACTU, the unit will continue to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, such as the ICPC, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to tackle corruption and unethical risks effectively.

The inauguration of this unit signals a robust commitment to enhancing the credibility of Nigeria’s tax administration, ensuring that the FIRS operates with the highest levels of transparency and accountability.

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