FIRS Collaborates with EFCC to Enhance Tax Compliance

• FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, advocates collaboration with EFCC to monitor and report financial transactions, emphasizing the changing economic landscape
• Adedeji urges data sharing for intelligence gathering, while EFCC Chairman Olukoyede proposes reviewing the MOU to strengthen anti-financial crime efforts

Mr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has advocated for collaboration between the agency and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor and report local and cross-border financial transactions of companies, multinationals, and high-net-worth individuals.

During a visit to the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja on Wednesday, Adedeji emphasized the need for synergy, especially as socio-economic activities transition rapidly from traditional to digital and knowledge-driven forms.

Adedeji urged the EFCC to provide support through data sharing to enhance intelligence gathering and investigation capabilities. He highlighted the importance of both agencies coordinating their efforts to address specific challenges in the evolving economic landscape.

In response, Olukoyede expressed gratitude for the visit and proposed a review of the memorandum of understanding between the FIRS and the EFCC, particularly in units such as the tax fraud section and joint tax force. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the fight against financial crimes and enhance tax compliance.

EFCC Sends Stern Warning To Skit Makers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is forced to repeat its warning to skit creators and other social workers to refrain from using the operational identities of the Commission illegally and irresponsibly due to a video code-named “EFCC and Army Wahala” that is gaining popularity on social media.

“EFCC and Army Wahala” is a parody of the EFCC’s protocol in action. In addition to being embarrassing, the deplorable portrayal of purported EFCC agents in the film terrorising “suspects” is symptomatic of a concerted effort to damage the organization’s reputation.

Operatives of the EFCC are not bullies. They are trained as refined modern law enforcement officers rich in decency, civility and respect for members of the public, including suspects of economic and financial crimes.

Skit makers are warned again to desist from unauthorized use of the identities of the EFCC to ply their trade. The Commission will not hesitate to bring to book anyone caught displaying its operational identities for any engagements.