Muhammad Nami, the former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has expressed his thoughts on the records he could have achieved if President Bola Tinubu had not replaced him.
Tinubu recently asked Nami to proceed on three months of pre-retirement leave and appointed Zacchaeus Adedeji, his Special Adviser on Revenue, as the acting replacement.
In his farewell statement, Nami expressed his gratitude to both former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu for granting him the opportunity to serve the country for nearly four years.
Nami highlighted his notable accomplishments during his tenure, revealing that he was able to collect tax revenue exceeding N8 trillion in just eight months. He also expressed his belief that he could have set a new record, aiming for a minimum of N13 trillion in tax revenue by the end of the tax year.
In his statement, titled “My Appreciation To Nigerians,” Nami acknowledged the invaluable support and cooperation he received from FIRS staff, taxpayers, and the Nigerian populace. He credited this support for enabling his team to meet their tax collection targets and set new records for tax collection in the country.
Nami recalled the ambitious goal he set during the inauguration of the FIRS Board Members, promising to increase Nigeria’s Tax-to-GDP ratio from 6% to 10% within four years. He proudly announced that they had already achieved a Tax-to-GDP ratio of 10.86% within just two years, as of December 31, 2021.
In conclusion, Nami expressed his satisfaction and fulfillment in serving diligently and building a service that adheres to world-class best practices. He urged FIRS staff, taxpayers, and Nigerians to extend their support and cooperation to the incoming Executive Chairman, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, to ensure continued success in tax collection, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in this sensitive endeavor.
Muhammad Nami’s tenure as FIRS Chairman has been marked by significant achievements in tax collection, contributing to the Nigerian economy’s growth and development.
