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FIRS: Tax, The Untaxed and the Taxables 

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By Salisu Na’inna Dambatta
 
It is common truth that no country on earth, including Nigeria, is able to tax all the taxables, or even bring all the untaxed into the tax net. Tax registers everywhere rarely contain all the untaxed as required by the tax laws.
 
Even though the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) which last tax year (2022) celebrated a record N10.1 trillion tax collection for the federation, the country wants it to generate more than that amount of money in 2023.
 
It is a positively achievable ambition by the top tax man, Muhammadu Nami, who turbo-charged the tax gathering machinery to haul that N10.1 trillion despite low oil revenue and targeted tax waivers and holidays granted to encourage higher economic activities in some sectors. In 2022, over ₦1.8 trillion was granted in tax waivers and incentives. If this had been collected by the FIRS in tax revenue, the agency would have raked in almost N12 trillion in 2022.
 
As at the half of 2023, the FIRS had raked in over N5.5 trillion. Two interesting facts make this tax revenue collection remarkable. One, it is the highest tax revenue collection made in the first six months of any fiscal year. And in June of 2023 alone, N1.6 trillion was raked in—the highest tax revenue collection made in a single month in Nigeria’s history.

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While ₦10.1 trillion is phenomenal by any standards, a doubling of this can be achieved by the FIRS and State Revenue Services if they can successfully tax the untaxed and bring in the taxables. A consultant’s report submitted to the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun identified and listed about a thousand taxable activities that could yield huge revenue for Nigeria that were yet untaxed.
 
For instance, the countless iron mongers in cities, towns and villages all over the country, who forge beautiful doors, windows, security and ornamental railings, are definitely untaxed.  The National Bureau of Statistics reported that in the third and fourth quarters of 2021 iron, steel and metals worth N837 billion were imported to Nigeria.  Road-side informal iron-mongers who turn a significant portion of those products into useful items do not pay tax on their production activities.
 
The furniture industry in Nigeria has been transformed beyond imagination. So also the entertainment sector. Both are probably untaxed, or minimally taxed. The two sub-sectors can be taxed appropriately to boost Federal government revenue.
 
Hewers of wood, lumberers and drawers of water are depleting our forests, turning Savannah to sahelian bushes, rain forests into derived Savannah, just to produce charcoal for energy and timber for construction and furniture, without being taxed. Taxing them heavily enough can discourage the destruction of the country’s flora, and consequently, fauna, and the whole environment.
 
Another way in which huge tax revenue is lost is through dodging withholding tax by landlords who own rental properties such as residential, business premises and even undeveloped plots let out to mechanics and other artisans.
 
Huge number of warehouses let out at profitable rates are mostly untaxed, especially those which are located in the outskirts of major cities: Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, Warri, Onitsha and even Owerri, among others.
 
The “unrecorded and unmonitored” economy, reportedly constituted a huge 57.7 per cent of the country’s total economy in 2022. It thrives and enriches its operators, but deprives the national treasury of a fraction of its treasures through the payment of taxes or fees and levies.
 
“The size of Nigeria’s informal (shadow) economy is estimated to be 57.7% which represents approximately $1,164 billion (over a trillion USD)  at GDP PPP,” a report based on Quarterly Informal Economy Survey (QIES) by World Economics, London, indicates.
 
The $1,164 billion shadow economy in 2022 alone, is just a shadow below nine times the cost of the Kano-Maradi and Kano-Dutse Gadawur dual track railway lines under construction.  Nigeria borrowed $1.9 billion to finance the project. Collecting just ten per cent of $1,164 billion would have almost covered the price of the project.
 
That lost tax revenue derivable from the shadow economy could have been utilised in massive rural electrification projects to power micro and small businesses that contribute to economic growth in rural areas.
 
It is perhaps in its bid to tax the untaxed that the FIRS recently entered a partnership with the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN), where the FIRS would educate members of MATAN on tax payments and cooperate with them to charge and remit Value Added Tax (VAT) in the course of their businesses. This masterstroke partnership may hold the key to untapping the volume of taxes hitherto uncollected from country’s trillion-dollar worth informal sector.
 
More of these kinds of partnerships need to be seen between tax authorities and organized unions in the business place if the FIRS and its colleagues in the State Internal Revenue Services must tax the untaxed taxables.
 
 
Salisu Na’inna Dambatta is a retired federal Director of Information.


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Abuja

Mercedes G63 Kills Six Cows in Abuja Highway Crash

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A luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG was involved in a late-night crash on a major highway in Abuja, killing six cows and sparking renewed concerns over road safety and enforcement of grazing laws in the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday,

according to eyewitness accounts, when the high-speed SUV collided with a herd of cows that had reportedly strayed onto the roadway. A video circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the white cows lying across the dark highway as traffic officials worked to manage the situation.


As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed injuries to the driver or any passengers in the vehicle. Unverified reports on social media suggested that the SUV sustained only minor damage despite the severity of the collision.


The accident has reignited debates over the continued presence of cattle on major roads in Abuja, despite the 2017 ban on open grazing introduced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The policy was designed to curb frequent clashes between herders and communities, as well as prevent traffic disruptions and accidents caused by roaming livestock.

FIRS


Residents and road users have repeatedly raised concerns about the enforcement of the grazing ban, noting that cows are still often seen along highways and within urban areas of the capital. Monday night’s crash is the latest in a series of such incidents, highlighting ongoing gaps in regulation and compliance.


Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the crash or confirm whether any action will be taken regarding the presence of the cattle on the highway.

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Job Vancancy: Moniepoint Job Vacancies in Abuja and North Central Nigeria

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Research Interviewers Job in Nigeria – Jhpiego Hiring Across 36 States & FCT
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Leading Nigerian fintech company Moniepoint has announced six new job openings across Abuja and several states in the North Central region, expanding its workforce in compliance, technical operations, sales, and security management.

The vacancies cut across multiple departments, reflecting the company’s continued growth in agent banking, SME solutions, and digital financial infrastructure services.

Available Positions

Field Risk & Internal Control Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The role focuses on monitoring operational risks, enforcing internal control standards, and ensuring compliance across field operations in the region.

Apply Here

Hardware Engineer

  • Team: Advanced Technical Operations
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    Successful candidates will handle hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support for field operations.

Apply Here

FIRS

Implementation Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Locations: Benue, Plateau, FCT
    This role involves onboarding merchants and ensuring smooth deployment of Moniepoint’s business tools across assigned regions.

Apply Here

Inbound Sales Officer (Abuja)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The position focuses on handling inbound customer inquiries, converting leads, and supporting sales growth for Moniepoint business solutions.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Corporate Security (North)

  • Team: Moniepoint MFB
  • Locations: FCT, Kano
    The role oversees corporate security operations, risk prevention strategies, and protection of company assets across northern Nigeria.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Field Risk & Internal Control (North)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    This leadership position is responsible for coordinating regional risk management teams and strengthening internal control systems.

Apply Here

The hiring drive comes as fintech companies in Nigeria continue to expand their physical and digital operations across underserved regions, particularly in agent banking and SME support services.

Moniepoint, one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the country, has steadily increased recruitment in technical, compliance, and field operations roles over the past year.

With these openings, Moniepoint is strengthening its presence in Abuja and northern Nigeria while scaling its financial services infrastructure across the country.

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Business

Nigerians Slam Moniepoint CEO Over ‘Talent Quality’ Remarks Amid Hiring Debate

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Comments by Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint, have sparked a heated debate online after he questioned the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool while discussing his company’s hiring challenges.


Speaking at the The Platform Nigeria on May 1, Eniolorunda said the fintech firm had advertised over 500 vacancies since 2024 but struggled to find qualified local candidates. He revealed that by 2025, the company reversed its local-only hiring policy due to the shortage.


I used to feel Nigerians are really bright… but we are still struggling to find Nigerians to fill those roles. They don’t meet global standards,” he said, attributing the gap to factors such as social media distractions, cybercrime, hookup culture, and weaknesses in the education system.

Backlash and Counterarguments



His remarks triggered swift backlash from Nigerians, particularly within the tech community, with many accusing local companies of failing to invest in talent development.

FIRS


Critics argued that unlike global firms, Nigerian tech companies rarely offer structured, paid internship programs or training pipelines to groom young professionals. Some pointed to examples of international companies like Oracle Corporation, where internships and early talent programs serve as entry points into full-time roles.


Others shared personal experiences of being rejected by local firms despite strong resumes, while noting that Nigerian professionals continue to secure roles in global companies such as Amazon.


A recurring sentiment online was that many Nigerian companies demand “global-standard talent” but are unwilling to offer competitive compensation or career development opportunities.

Industry Perspective



Supporters of Eniolorunda’s stance, however, pointed to the realities of scaling a fast-growing fintech company in a competitive global market. They cited brain drain, limited specialized skills, and increasing demand for top-tier expertise as genuine challenges facing Nigerian startups.


Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem balancing expectations between employers and job seekers, while addressing gaps in education, training, and remuneration.



The debate mirrors ongoing tensions around talent development, compensation, and hiring practices in Nigeria’s fast-evolving tech sector.

As companies expand and compete globally, the question of how to build, retain, and fairly reward talent is likely to remain a central issue.

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Outrage as Soldier Assaults Journalist Over Traffic Dispute in Lagos

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A Nigerian soldier has allegedly assaulted a journalist, Fakoyejo Olalekan, during a traffic control operation in Lagos State, triggering widespread public condemnation after video footage of the incident surfaced online.
The clash occurred on May 2 near Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja, where personnel of the Nigerian Army were reportedly directing heavy traffic.


According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Fakoyejo remarked to passengers that a soldier’s handling of a motorcyclist had caused an unnecessary delay. The comment allegedly angered one of the soldiers, who ordered everyone out of the vehicle.


The situation escalated when the soldier reportedly slapped and shoved the journalist, and briefly reached for a piece of wood before bystanders intervened to prevent further escalation.


Video clips circulating on social media show at least two soldiers involved in the confrontation. During the incident, Fakoyejo’s phone screen was also seen shattered on the pavement. No serious injuries were reported.

FIRS


The footage has since triggered widespread criticism online, with many users calling for accountability and questioning the conduct of military personnel during civilian traffic enforcement duties.


As of May 4, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official response despite being tagged in multiple public complaints and posts about the incident.

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Outrage as DSS Arraigns Chidiebere Justice Mark Over Alleged Cybercrime, Military Incitement

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The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.

Mark was earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army over a viral video and accompanying statements he shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he reportedly alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.

FIRS

Details of Charges

Count One alleges that on April 28, 2026, Mark disseminated information on social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, which authorities claim he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

Count Two states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace. This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

Count Three accuses Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the Army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.

Court Proceedings

Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.

Public Reaction

The arraignment has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with civil rights advocates and concerned citizens debating issues around freedom of expression, national security, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.

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