Reps express satisfaction with progress at FIRS

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has commended the progress and achievements of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), pledging full support for the agency.

During an oversight visit, Committee members met with FIRS management at the Revenue House in Abuja on Tuesday and toured the agency’s permanent headquarters, currently under construction in the Central Business District.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, the Committee Chairman, James Faleke, expressed satisfaction with the transformation at FIRS under Chairman Zacch Adedeji as well as the with the project’s design and execution.

He noted the agency’s increased tax revenue and affirmed the Committee’s continued support for FIRS initiatives.

“We can only commend the staff and management of FIRS and, of course, the contractors for a job well done. We have seen the quality work being done. They have designed it very well, and when we asked questions, they answered,” he stated.

Faleke noted that the visit allowed the committee to evaluate the FIRS’s operations and observe the atmosphere under the leadership of the new chairman, who he said appeared to have established a positive rapport with staff.

“We first visited the temporary building where FIRS is currently operating. We met with the Directors and staff, and it was clear they are pleased with the chairman’s leadership. We also toured the proposed permanent site and observed the progress. According to the architect, the project started in 2011 and is expected to be completed next year.

“When it is finished, and the Nigerian Revenue Service bill is passed, we hope it will be inaugurated in this new building. We expect this will further boost revenue for Nigeria,” Faleke added.

In response to a question about the Committee’s support for FIRS, Faleke emphasised that the legislators have consistently backed the agency, noting that any withdrawal of support would harm the system.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of FIRS expressed gratitude to the Committee for their visit and support, pledging that the agency will continue collaborating with lawmakers to advance Nigeria’s progress.