FIRS Generates N4 Trillion Naira Revenue For Government In 2017

Babatunde Fowler, FIRS boss (File Photo)

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS),  Babatunde Fowler, has disclosed that the agency generated N4 trillion in 2017.

Fowler made the disclosure on Monday when he visited Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos.

The FIRS boss noted that the sum represents a 20 percent improvement on the N3.3 trillion revenue realized in 2016.

He therefore called on the government to further see taxation as a means of diversifying sources of government revenue  rather than depending heavily on oil as the current situation is.

“There cannot be any serious discussion on diversification of the economy without reviewing the tax regime,” Fowler said.

On his part, Oba Akiolu called on members of the public to always fulfill their tax obligations to the government.

The monarch also revealed he has paid N350,000 in taxes over seven years.

“Our taxes are what the government needs to build schools, provide healthcare, build roads and provide other amenities for our people,” he said.

“I call on you senators and members of the house of representatives to pay your taxes. Some of you have farms. You must pay taxes on income from your farms.”