The Federal Inland Revenue Service's Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami, joined the Board, management, and employees in congratulating two members of the management team on their separate worldwide recognition awards in tax and technology.
The federal tax regulating body reported this event in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Chiaka Ben-Obi, Group Lead, Digital and Innovation Support Group, FIRS, won the 2023 ISACA Technology for Humanity Award for championing efforts to transform Nigeria's federal tax agency into a digital organisation, while Mathew Olusanya Gbonjubola, Group Lead, Special Tax Operations Group at the FIRS, is listed among the World's Top 50 Tax Persons for the year 2022.
The entity that bestows awards is ISACA, a global professional organisation with a focus on IT governance.
Nami congratulated the pair and said they deserved the recognition because it resulted from their efforts and contributions to the Service's accomplishments.
He said: “Indeed, you are deserving of this beautiful achievement which is a testament to your hard work, analytical insight into tax issues, and immense contributions to the success of my administration.
“I appreciate every effort you put in to make tax administration in the country richly beneficial to the citizens of this potentially great country.”
The Executive Chairman FIRS further stated that Gbonjubola and Ben-Obi's qualities were needed for Nigeria’s progress and development.
He urged them to continue to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation as they worked to build a robust tax system for the country.
He added: “I dare say that this country is in dire need of committed and selfless people like you who are passionate about its progress and development.
“Let us continue to forge the necessary synergy that will lead to the actualisation of our collective vision of a robust tax system for the country.
“I strongly believe this is the only way we can leave an indelible mark on the sand of time.”
Gbonjubola, a Chartered Accountant, is a Co-Chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters.
He has vast experience in auditing, finance and taxation with over 25 years’ experience in the FIRS.
Ben-Obi, who holds both Bachelors of Science in Political Science and Public Administration, as well as an MBA, oversees the departments of the FIRS saddled with the responsibility of transforming FIRS into a digitalised organisation.
She was before her appointment as Group Lead Digital Innovation Support Group the Director of the Modernisation Department, where she took on the assignment of delivering on modernisation agenda projects aimed at transforming the Service into a modern, efficient and effective tax administration agency.