A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the National Assembly and Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations of conflict of interest involving some top officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The coalition, known as the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD), held a peaceful demonstration in Abuja on Wednesday. Members said the probe was necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tax system as the government prepares to introduce a new tax regime.
Speaking during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Odey Otunu, said the matter required urgent attention to sustain public confidence in the country’s revenue administration.
“This issue must not be swept under the carpet. The credibility of our tax system depends on transparency and accountability,” Otunu said.
He explained that petitions have already been submitted to the National Assembly, and the coalition plans to meet with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other oversight agencies.
COCSOD said its investigation revealed documents showing that some senior FIRS officials allegedly maintain ownership or directorship positions in private companies despite being full-time public servants.
“Our findings show that certain officials of the FIRS, including those in senior management, are listed as shareholders and directors in registered firms,” the group claimed.
According to the coalition, such conduct violates Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and the Public Service Rules, all of which prohibit public officers from engaging in private business activities, except farming.
The group added that efforts to obtain official responses from the accused officials had been unsuccessful.
“We have written to them and even sent reminders, but we are yet to receive any response,” it stated.
COCSOD warned that failing to address the allegations could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s tax administration and raise doubts about the fairness of upcoming fiscal reforms.
As part of its next steps, the coalition said it would continue to stage peaceful demonstrations and engage relevant agencies until the issue is properly investigated.
“We urge the National Assembly to perform its oversight duties diligently. We will continue to monitor developments to ensure accountability,” Otunu added.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria tax system.
