The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has committed to embedding gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and data reporting across its operations to enhance inclusive governance in Nigeria’s tax system. This pledge was made during the official launch of the FIRS Gender Desk and Women Network on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Zacch Adedeji , Executive Chairman of FIRS, represented by Dr. Dick Irri , emphasized the initiative as “a powerful declaration of our resolve to embed equity at the heart of our operations.” He described gender equality as both a constitutional right and a strategic imperative for governance, particularly within the Nigerian tax system.
Adedeji directed the immediate adoption of gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting across the TaxProMax system and all relevant departments.
“This will better inform our policies and significantly enhance the inclusiveness and responsiveness of our tax administration,” he stated. He further urged the integration of gender-responsive planning and budgeting into the Service’s Policy, Finance & Accounts, Planning, Research, and Statistics functions, ensuring every program and resource allocation is viewed through the lens of gender equality.
The FIRS Chairman highlighted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Gender Policy , the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , and international commitments on gender equity. He also called for collaboration with the Ministries of Women Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Corporate Affairs Commission to develop a nationally recognized definition of women-owned and women-led businesses , which will be integrated into business registration processes.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim , praised FIRS for its “strategic foresight” in institutionalizing gender mainstreaming .
“Policy without practice is hollow. Implementation without institutionalization is unsustainable. That is why what we are doing here today matters so much,” she said. The Minister stressed that gender equality must be seen as a “development imperative” and a “cornerstone of sustainable progress.”
She urged FIRS to ensure gender-responsive budgeting becomes integral to revenue policy while promoting gender parity in recruitment, retention, and promotion efforts.
Addressing the newly launched FIRS Women Network , she charged them to serve as torchbearers, advocating strategically and delivering relentlessly.
The launch of the FIRS Gender Desk and Women Network marks a significant step toward fostering inclusivity and gender equity in Nigeria’s tax system. By integrating gender-responsive practices, FIRS aims to drive sustainable progress and empower women economically.
Follow us on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/businessnewsng?igsh=ZXpweTdjOGF1ZXdu
