“EFCC critical to tax-related issues,” says FIRS

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been described as a critical stakeholder on tax-related issues.

The zonal coordinator of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) covering Rivers, Edo and Delta States, Mr Hamisu Ibrahim, said this while on a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Aliyu Naibi in his office.

“Both the FIRS and the EFCC are critical stakeholders on issues of tax administration, enforcement and investigation of defaulters.

“There has been a synergy between us and it should be strengthened. Our close understanding of the relationship, as stakeholders, will make us gain more. If we have a better understanding, it will be a win-win for us,” he said.

Ibrahim assured that the FIRS would always be available to offer useful information to the EFCC on tax-related issues and make every investigation of any suspected tax infraction easier and result-yielding.

He explained that auditing companies were a significant means of detecting fraudulent dealings that the EFCC could work upon.

“In auditing of companies, we see a lot of activities- funds not reported, funds misapplied and other useful findings,” he added.

Responding, the Port Harcourt Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Aliyu Naibi appreciated the visit of the coordinator, stressing that both agencies are working together in the overall interest of the nation.

He called for a more technical partnership that will deepen the synergy and useful collaboration between the two agencies.

“Technical partnership will surely assist us in doing our jobs better,” he said.

Meanwhile, the zonal liaison officer of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in Rivers State, Mrs B.J Osademe has called for more collaboration between the EFCC and Federal Ministry of Justice in the fight against corrupt practices.

She made the call while also on a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Aliyu Naibi.

“We are here to deepen the relationship between the office of the AGF and the EFCC in the South-South”, she said.

Naibi appreciated her visit and called for more positive engagements between the Commission and the AGF’s Office.