By Samuel Adeola and Merciful Omoba
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has urged the 26 finalists of the National Essay Competition to remain active participants in national development conversations, describing their voices as critical to shaping Nigeria’s future.
The call was made on Tuesday during the finalists’ policy engagement visit to the FIRS Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, part of the students’ final-stage activities ahead of the grand finale on the 26th, featured an interactive session with senior officials of the agency.
The Project Coordinator, Abdulkareem Adeyemi, opened the engagement by thanking FIRS for its longstanding support and noted that the competition received over 10,000 entries nationwide.
He praised the finalists for distinguishing themselves and commended the organisers for sustaining a platform that promotes academic excellence.
Representing the Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Coordinating Director, Dr. Mohammed Adaya Salisu, welcomed the finalists and congratulated them on emerging among the country’s brightest young minds.
He highlighted key features of the forthcoming tax reforms, including a fully digital tax filing system, enhanced transparency measures, and improved public awareness strategies for the new tax refund process.
He also clarified ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed change of name from FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), explaining its purpose and expected impact.
The session became interactive as finalists asked questions about challenges in implementing the refund system, the rationale for the proposed name change, and strategies for increasing public understanding of the reforms.
Dr. Salisu provided detailed responses, noting that effective policy implementation requires continuous public education and citizen engagement.
He encouraged the students to remain informed and vocal, adding that national development thrives when young people actively contribute to policy conversations.
CEO of Abuja City Journal, Mr. Folusho Ojo Sylvanus, expressed gratitude to the FIRS leadership for their unwavering support.
He urged the finalists to see themselves as ambassadors of the competition and to help spread awareness about the ongoing reforms and the role of FIRS in national development.
The organisers reaffirmed that the grand finale will hold on the 26th, with cash prizes of ₦5 million, ₦3 million, and ₦2 million for the top three winners.
The finalists continue their preparations ahead of the concluding stage of the competition.
