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The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has lauded the Nigerian judiciary for its “sound and consistent” tax rulings, describing them as vital to investor confidence and the nation’s fiscal stability.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Judges of the Federal High Court on emerging tax laws yesterday, the FIRS Chairman commended the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for what he called a “timely and essential” initiative.
He said recent legal reforms, including amendments to the Finance Acts, the Petroleum Industry Act, and several subsidiary legislations, have “significantly reshaped our tax ecosystem,” requiring deeper synergy between the judiciary and tax authorities.
“The judiciary, through its interpretative powers, remains the ultimate arbiter in maintaining the delicate balance between the legitimate powers of tax authorities and the rights of taxpayers.
“Your consistent and sound pronouncements have provided stability, predictability, and fairness in the administration of the tax system”, he noted.
According to him, the timeliness and consistency of judicial pronouncements play a decisive role in improving voluntary tax compliance, boosting investor confidence, and strengthening national revenue mobilisation.
“Tax disputes that are resolved promptly and based on clear judicial principles foster compliance and contribute to economic stability,” he added.
The FIRS Chairman reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the judiciary through “knowledge sharing, provision of technical resources, and regular engagement.”
“As key stakeholders in Nigeria’s tax system, we must continue to strengthen collaboration, foster dialogue, and build mechanisms that promote early and effective resolution of tax disputes,” he stressed.
He added that the complexities of the global digital economy and cross-border transactions have made judicial education more vital than ever, expressing optimism that insights from the workshop would “enhance the quality of judicial pronouncements and contribute to a more efficient and equitable tax system.”
