The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) are set to collaborate on a strategic initiative to enhance tax education and compliance among legal practitioners in Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja, the Acting Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Hango, led a delegation to meet with NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, where both parties discussed avenues for partnership aimed at improving lawyers’ understanding of tax obligations.
Welcoming the delegation, Mazi Osigwe emphasized the NBA’s commitment to promoting legal compliance, institutional accountability, and the rule of law. He highlighted the Association’s nationwide reach through its over 130 branches, positioning it as a key platform for driving awareness among legal professionals.
He noted, “Fostering strong relationships between regulatory bodies and professional associations like the NBA is essential to national development. We are ready to support any initiative that promotes transparency, compliance, and awareness within the legal profession.”
Mr. Hango, in his remarks, commended the NBA’S leadership in governance advocacy and reform.
He explained that the visit was intended to initiate collaboration on sensitizing law firms and individual lawyers on filing annual tax returns and meeting their statutory obligations.
“Tax compliance can often seem complex, especially without proper information,” Mr. Hango said. “Through this partnership with the NBA, we aim to equip legal practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed for simplified, voluntary compliance.”
He further emphasized the need to educate lawyers on user-friendly self-assessment procedures and digital platforms to facilitate tax filing and payment, noting that the FCT-IRS views the NBA as a critical stakeholder in promoting justice sector integrity.
In response, the NBA President proposed that the FCT-IRS take part in the NBA Secretariat’s forthcoming “Fireside Chat” series — an interactive platform for informal engagement on professional development issues. He noted that such a session would help demystify technical tax matters and encourage more inclusive participation, particularly from solo practitioners and small law firms.
“The NBA is always open to partnerships that foster education, transparency, and national development,” Osigwe stated. “We want to encourage a system where compliance grows out of understanding and awareness, not fear or compulsion.”
