KEY POINTS
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Civil groups allege conflict of interest in FIRS.
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Coalition urges probe to protect Nigeria’s tax system.
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COCSOD vows continued advocacy for transparency.
A coalition of civil society groups has raised alarm over possible conflict-of-interest concerns involving some senior officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The group called on the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies to launch immediate investigations to safeguard Nigeria’s tax system and ensure integrity ahead of the planned new tax regime.
Civil groups allege conflict of interest in FIRS
The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) staged a peaceful protest in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding accountability from the tax agency.
Comrade Odey Otunu, speaking for the coalition, said they had already submitted petitions to the National Assembly and were planning further engagements with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other oversight bodies.
Otunu said the coalition’s findings uncovered company records suggesting that some FIRS officials might have business ties that breach public service rules.
“It is a matter of grave concern that senior officers of the FIRS, not excluding the Chairman, remain active shareholders and directors in private firms while holding full-time government positions,” he said.
Calls for transparency in Nigeria’s tax system
The group described the alleged situation as a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and the Public Service Rules.
“These acts constitute not only a reckless abuse of office but also a brazen violation of the Constitution,” COCSOD stated.
Attempts to obtain responses from the affected officials have reportedly failed. “We have written to them and sent reminders, but there has been no reply,” the coalition added.
COCSOD warned that if left unchecked, such issues could erode public trust in the Federal Inland Revenue Service and cast doubts on the fairness of the country’s upcoming tax reforms.
The group said it would keep holding peaceful demonstrations at the National Assembly, EFCC, ICPC, and other agencies until the authorities address its concerns.
“We urge the National Assembly to do their jobs properly as we continue to monitor progress,” Otunu said, adding that COCSOD will keep mobilising the public for transparency and ethical governance in Nigeria’s tax system.
