The Nigeria Revenue Service will lead discussions on deploying tax reforms to combat illicit financial flows and drive economic growth.
The NRS, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, will host the 5th session of the Sub-Committee on Tax and Illicit Financial Flows under the Specialised Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration between March 31 and April 2, 2026.
The session will bring together policymakers, tax administrators, development partners, and experts across Africa to chart coordinated strategies for strengthening tax systems and tackling illicit financial flows.
In a statement, the Technical Assistant (Print Media) to the Executive Chairman of NRS, Sikiru Akinola, said the meeting comes at a crucial time when African countries are intensifying efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and reduce dependence on external funding.
He said, “It is coming at a critical time when African countries are intensifying efforts to mobilise domestic resources, reduce reliance on external financing, and address illicit financial flows, which continue to undermine economic growth and development across the continent.”
Akinola added that discussions at the summit would centre on improving tax administration and compliance, tackling illicit financial flows and base erosion, and advancing Africa’s position in global tax negotiations.
He said, “Discussions will focus on enhancing domestic resource mobilisation, strengthening tax administration and compliance frameworks, addressing illicit financial flows, base erosion and profit shifting, advancing Africa’s coordinated position in global tax negotiations, and leveraging digitalisation and modern tax systems.”
He noted that the meeting aligns with Africa’s broader development goals and policy direction.
“The meeting builds on prior outcomes of the STC and reinforces Africa’s commitment to Agenda 2063, positioning tax policy and fiscal reforms as central to achieving sustainable development across the continent,” Akinola stated.
As the host country, Nigeria, through the NRS, will provide leadership to drive the session and deepen continental engagement on tax reforms and domestic resource mobilisation.
The Executive Chairman of NRS, Zacch Adedeji, is expected to deliver the welcome address, while the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy will declare the session open. Akinola said the session would strengthen the capacity of African countries to implement tax reforms and curb illicit financial flows.
He noted, “The session is expected to strengthen the capacity of African countries to implement effective tax reforms, promote practical solutions to curb illicit financial flows, enhance collaboration among African institutions and Member States, and support the development of unified African positions in global tax governance.”
The NRS will also host a side event focused on practical policy measures to address illicit financial flows. Akinola noted that this side event “will highlight key initiatives including the National Single Window Initiative and asset recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
