The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has highlighted the critical importance of equipping Nigerians-especially the youth-with skills and opportunities before introducing new tax policies. They stress that a capable and industrious population is fundamental to achieving lasting economic growth.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, conveyed this message during the Career Acceleration Summit held in Abuja on Saturday. Speaking through Olufemi Olarinde, Head of the Fiscal and Tax Reforms Implementation Division and Special Adviser on Tax Policy, Adedeji emphasized that the agency’s tax strategy is anchored in prioritizing human development.
“Our philosophy at FIRS centers on people, technology, and streamlined processes. True prosperity stems from empowering individuals. The government’s stance is clear: taxation should target the outcomes of productivity, not the initial stages of growth-meaning citizens must be empowered and productive before taxation is justified,” Olarinde explained.
He further clarified that taxation must be a consequence of wealth generation and productivity, not a precursor. Strengthening human capital is vital for inclusive economic progress and national advancement. Simply put, a nation cannot impose taxes on poverty; it can only tax success and prosperity.
Olarinde reaffirmed FIRS’s dedication to fostering programs that enhance employability, skill development, and entrepreneurial ventures among young Nigerians. This commitment aligns with the agency’s comprehensive reform agenda under Dr. Adedeji, which prioritizes innovation, operational efficiency, and building public confidence.
“FIRS actively endorses initiatives that support career growth and cultivate an environment where citizens can excel,” he added, noting that the agency’s collaboration with the summit reflects its conviction that human capital is Nigeria’s greatest resource.
He reiterated that FIRS’s operational framework is built on the integration of people, technology, and processes-a strategy designed to modernize tax administration, ease compliance burdens, and create a more taxpayer-friendly system.
The summit convened a diverse group of government representatives, private sector executives, and young professionals, all focused on crafting strategies to fast-track career development and empower youth contributions to national progress.
Olarinde concluded by stating that FIRS’s involvement in the event underscores its understanding that youth empowerment is not only a societal responsibility but also a fiscal necessity for establishing a resilient tax system that underpins Nigeria’s sustainable future.
