In a time of unprecedented fiscal reform and economic recalibration, the Joint Tax Board (JTB) has stood as a shining example of visionary leadership and strategic governance. Over the past year, the JTB has boldly redefined its role in Nigeria’s evolving tax ecosystem, championing initiatives that speak to innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Guided by the transformative vision of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the FIRS and Chairman of the JTB, and the dynamic operational leadership of Olusegun Adesokan, Secretary of the JTB, the organisation has positioned itself as a pivotal force in Nigeria’s economic resurgence.
This has been a year where the JTB moved beyond the conventional boundaries of tax administration, boldly embracing change to align with the administration’s national economic priorities under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The JTB has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to redefining processes, empowering stakeholders, and unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s tax revenue architecture. With foresight as its compass and innovation as its engine, the JTB has fostered a tax environment that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.
At the heart of this success lies the groundbreaking ‘FIVE’ paradigm – Foresight, Innovation, Value, and Efficiency. This visionary framework became the bedrock for the JTB’s transformation journey, empowering its workforce to adapt, collaborate, and lead amidst emerging challenges. The Secretariat’s first-ever Strategic Staff Retreat marked a defining moment, instilling a unified culture of excellence and preparing its personnel to chart the course toward a more resilient tax administration.
Recognising that knowledge drives transformation, the JTB prioritised the capacity building of its members and their personnel. From global benchmarking through intensive training in Kigali, Rwanda, where tax administrators explored the power of digital transformation and data analytics, to regional workshops on audit, compliance, and enforcement, the JTB has elevated professionalism across all levels. In response to emerging trends such as blockchain technology and digital assets, the JTB moved proactively to equip tax officers with the expertise to navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency taxation, ensuring Nigeria remains at the forefront of global tax administration practices.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of the JTB’s remarkable achievements. By fostering strategic partnerships, the JTB broke new ground in aligning with critical stakeholders. Integration of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Nigeria Customs Service auction portal provided seamless access for taxpayers, while partnerships with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) ensured the universal recognition of the JTB TIN across financial institutions. Data exchange agreements with agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Corporate Affairs Commission, and Ministry of Interior heralded a new era of tax intelligence, enabling tax authorities to optimise their revenue-generating capabilities with precision and speed.
The JTB’s commitment to technological transformation has been nothing short of revolutionary. By introducing a USSD service, taxpayers can now verify, register, and retrieve their TIN with ease, fostering greater compliance and accessibility. The collaboration with the FIRS on the Automatic Exchange of Information (EoI) empowers sub-national tax authorities to accurately identify and assess previously untapped assets and incomes, strengthening revenue mobilisation for sustainable growth. Simultaneously, research and development initiatives focused on understanding sector-specific challenges reflect the JTB’s forward-thinking approach to evidence-based policymaking.
With a clear vision for the future, the JTB has emerged as a staunch advocate for the professionalisation of sub-national revenue authorities, recognising that efficiency and accountability are key to a thriving tax ecosystem. High-level engagements, such as the advocacy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, underscored the urgency of implementing modern Revenue Administration Laws to drive professionalism, trust, and equity across the nation’s tax landscape.
As the JTB looks to the future, the achievements of the past year stand as a powerful testament to what is possible when visionary leadership aligns with strategic innovation. The JTB is not merely navigating reforms; it is charting a course for Nigeria’s economic transformation. By fostering collaboration, embracing technology, and building capacity, the JTB is paving the way for a tax system that is transparent, equitable, and inclusive – a system that builds trust, empowers stakeholders, and fuels national prosperity.
This journey of transformation is far from over. The collective energy and optimism driving the JTB today promise a future where Nigeria’s tax administration is not only robust but also an exemplar of global best practices. In this moment of progress, the JTB stands as a resolute catalyst for sustainable growth, economic resilience, and a shared prosperity that uplifts the nation and its people.
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