The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has declared its support for Nigeria’s new tax laws, describing them as vital for economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, ATAF pledged technical assistance to ensure Nigeria reaps the benefits of its tax reforms.
The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Mary Baine, who assumed office recently, made this known during a courtesy visit to the FIRS chairman in Abuja on Tuesday.
Baine recalled ATAF’s intervention in Zambia’s mining sector, where the organisation helped the country improve its capacity to generate revenue. She assured that Nigeria could expect similar support in key sectors of its economy.
“When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.
Baine also said ATAF would leverage Nigeria’s influence on the continent and beyond to mobilise other member countries towards strengthening the organisation’s work.
In his remarks, Adedeji praised Baine’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism that her tenure would advance the forum’s objectives. He urged African countries to devise their own solutions to pressing challenges rather than rely on external assistance.
Adedeji noted that Nigeria’s new tax regime replaced colonial-era legislation that had long outlived its relevance.
“Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,” he added.
The new tax laws, he explained, were crafted to align with Nigeria’s current realities and position the economy for sustainable growth.
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