FIRS Executive Chairman Tunde Fowler and ICTD CEO Professor Mick Moore after signing the MOU.
On September 13th, the ICTD and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The purpose of the MOU is for both institutions to collaborate on applied research, capacity building, and policy implementation in relation to tax and development issues.
Under the terms of the MOU, the parties have agreed to partner on mutually identified research needs, supporting FIRS to work more effectively and furthering its establishment as a regional leader.
Members of FIRS and the ICTD at the signing of the MOU at Revenue House in Abuja.
The MOU also addresses the Nigerian Tax Research Network (NTRN) recently launched by the ICTD, with FIRS committing to actively participate in the Network, including establishing a NTRN Desk in its Research and Development Department and sharing relevant data with member researchers.
The Executive Chairman of FIRS Tunde Fowler and his team welcomed members of the ICTD at Revenue House in Abuja for the signing of the MOU. Fowler said “The revenue that we generate is what the government uses to improve the standard of living of Nigerians… We’re looking forward to a brighter future in tax administration with your support.”
The Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Sir Oseni Salawe Elamah, was also present and stated: “It’s a good day for the ICTD and for Nigeria.” After the signing, both then joined the inaugural meeting of the NTRN at the Transcorp Hilton, greeting the members present and attending a presentation on property taxation in Lagos.
The CEO of the ICTD, Professor Mick Moore, said “So far the ICTD has not conducted much research in Nigeria, although there are many interesting and important issues to investigate. I’m delighted that with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we’ve been able to establish this new research network. FIRS will be key to its success, so I’m very glad that you are partnering with us to produce policy-relevant research, and look forward to working together in the spirit of collaboration expressed in this MOU.”
Executive Chairman of FIRS Tunde Fowler makes some remarks at the inaugural meeting of the Nigerian Tax Research Network.
