ICPC, FIRS partner against financial tax frauds

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) have opened talks on three crucial areas the two agencies could explore to mitigate financial tax frauds and other corrupt vices.

During a courtesy visit, yesterday, at FIRS headquarters in Abuja, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, stressed the need for effective collaboration to deepen mutual cooperation and synergise efforts for greater impact in the anti-corruption drive.

The ICPC chairman said the Commission and FIRS have identified three areas of collaboration that would help the cause of tackling corruption, especially the ones that are tax related.

“First of all, there are three critical areas, which we need to look at. First to consider is the issue of sharing information between the two organisations and integration of technology. We need to set up a structured process of regular information sharing between us to detect potential corruption or fraudulent activities in tax-related matters.

“The second area is the issue of joint investigation and legal reforms. This is an area which the ICPC and the FIRS need to come together, because we know that sometimes corruption also comes in the form of tax evasion and other means of fraud.”

“Then the last is the issue of capacity building, which is very important because no organisation can perform its function effectively without the support of the government. We can come together to train or organise programmes jointly for members of our staff and organisations so as to enhance our skills and knowledge in detecting and preventing corruption which is related to the issue of the tax system in this country.”

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, expressed delight about ICPC’s visit and the expression of interest to help the revenue-generating agency tackle tax-related frauds in Nigeria.

He said: “I am hopeful and optimistic that we will collaborate effectively, and I am particularly delighted that with your support, our enforcement mandate on tax-matters will improve.”