L-R: Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), Ms. Mary Baine, with FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, during her courtesy visit in Abuja. Photo: Victor Onarinde.
Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms have gained a powerful continental backer, as the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) declared its full support for the country’s efforts to modernize its fiscal system. The endorsement came during the visit of ATAF’s newly-inaugurated Executive Secretary, Ms. Mary Baine, to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chairman, Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja.
The development marks a milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal journey, particularly following decades of reliance on colonial-era tax laws that no longer reflected the realities of a digital economy. From the 1939 Stamp Duties Act—crafted in an age without the internet—to a forward-looking framework driven by technology, people, and data, the country has begun reshaping its revenue landscape to better align with its growth ambitions.
Ms. Baine commended the reforms, noting that ATAF is prepared to provide Nigeria with technical expertise in key areas such as resource taxation, much like the body did in Zambia where it strengthened mining revenue capacity. She further stressed that ATAF would leverage Nigeria’s influence to rally other member states toward strengthening the continental fiscal system.
“When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, the reforms, and the speed of transformation, it is clear Nigeria is setting an example for Africa,” Baine observed. “ATAF stands firmly with Nigeria and is ready to provide whatever support is needed to ensure the success of these reforms.”
Reflecting on the continent’s broader economic aspirations, FIRS chairman Zacch Adedeji urged Africans to resist dependency on external aid and instead generate homegrown solutions to their own challenges.
“My belief has always been that Africa’s salvation cannot come from the Western world. There is no free lunch anywhere. I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation,” Adedeji said pointedly.
Invoking a stark metaphor, he added: “When you are not on the table, you are on the menu. Africa must be on the table. We should stop being on the menu.”
Adedeji emphasized that Nigeria’s reforms are not just domestic corrections but a continental call to action. By evolving modern fiscal policies tailored to Africa’s realities, he argued, nations can reclaim sovereignty over their economies and craft sustainable development pathways.
The meeting, beyond its symbolism, served as a reminder that fiscal independence remains central to Africa’s pursuit of economic dignity. With ATAF’s commitment and Nigeria’s momentum, the conversation has shifted from what Africa receives from the world to what Africa contributes to the global agenda.
ATAF backs Nigeria’s bold tax reforms as FIRS chairman Zacch Adedeji urges Africa to craft homegrown fiscal policies and claim its global place.
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