FIRS seeks IMF support for national single window project
BY TUNDE OPALANA
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, met in Abuja with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Fiscal Affairs Department (IFAD) with a view to explore potential areas of technical collaboration.
The IMF delegation led by Mr. Marco Siqueira, a senior official in the department visit Adedeji in his office at the FIRS headquarters, in Abuja
A source in the FIRS said the meeting focused on how the IMF can provide technical assistance to the National Single Window Team, a project aimed at streamlining and enhancing trade facilitation in Nigeria.
The source added that discussions revolved around understanding the scope of the initiative, the progress made so far, and critical aspects of its implementation.
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Dr. Adedeji, in his remarks, underscored the importance of the National Single Window Project in fostering efficiency in trade and tax administration, ultimately improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
He emphasized the FIRS’s commitment to leveraging global best practices in revenue collection and trade facilitation.
On his part, Mr. Siqueira reaffirmed the IMF’s willingness to support Nigeria’s efforts in optimizing tax administration and trade processes. He highlighted the significance of the National Single Window in promoting transparency, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improving economic competitiveness.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange insights on policy frameworks, technological adoption, and strategic implementation models that could drive the success of the project.
The National Single Window is a critical initiative designed to integrate various government agencies involved in trade, allowing for seamless processing of import and export documentation through a centralized digital platform. By facilitating faster clearance of goods and reducing redundancies, the project aims to enhance revenue generation and bolster economic growth.
The FIRS and the IMF team agreed to deepen collaboration on key areas that would ensure the effective implementation of the project. Further technical engagements and capacity-building initiatives are expected in the coming months to support the realization of its objectives.
