FIRS Targets N4.9 trillion in 2016


The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says it is targeting a revenue of N4.9 trillion in 2016. The chairman of FIRS, Tunde Fowler, disclosed this on Monday at the opening of the 134th Joint Tax Board meeting in Kano. He assured that 80 per cent of the targeted amount would be collected before the end of the year.

“It is a known fact that once the oil price drops, the revenue from the sector will drop. So, our mandate now is to ensure increase in the non-oil revenue to ensure stability in the entire system,’’ Mr. Fowler said.

He said the meeting would address challenges militating against effective tax administration in the country. He also recalled that the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, had dismantled all road blocks across the country as part of efforts to check indiscriminate and multiple tax payment.

“The meeting will also review all the existing tax laws with a view to ensuring their effective implementation for great result,’’ he said.