The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Nigeria has opened its recruitment process for skilled young graduates across the country. The recruitment will be employing Tax Officers (Officer II and Officer I) in multiple locations, targeting young, courageous, and principled people with a passion for public service and upholding regulatory standards. The recruitment has drawn significant attention on social media, with various reactions reflecting both optimism and scepticism regarding the process.
The FIRS, known for its role in revenue generation and tax administration in Nigeria, has made it clear that it values integrity, analytical skills, and professional diligence among applicants. The call for applications will be conducted online via the official FIRS website. Further information, including application deadlines and other essential details, will soon be available.
The FIRS is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds to apply. The application portai will be officially opened by 12:00am on 2nd November, 2024.
Available Locations (States):
Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Oyo.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must possess a minimum educational qualification to be eligible:
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in fields such as Accounting, Law, Economics, Banking & Finance, Engineering, Geology, Statistics, Computer Science, or any other relevant quantitative discipline.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in the same or similar quantitative fields as those listed above.
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree (or HND) in First Class/Second Class Upper Division in any of the following disciplines:
Accounting. Actuarial Science, Business Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Digital/Electronic Marketing, Economics, Engineering, Financial Management, Graphic Arts, Graphic Design, Law, Management Business Administration, Market Research, Mathematics, Statistics, Taxation, and Visual Arts.
Relevant master’s degrees and professional affiliations (e.g., ICAN, ACCA, ANAN, COREN, NSE, etc) will be an added advantage.
Age Limit
Candidates must be 27 years old or below by 31st December 2024.
Skills
Candidates are also required to demonstrate computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and other web-based applications essential for efficient job performance.
Applicants must exhibit various skills necessary for the Tax Officer role, including: Leadership and Management, high level of analytical skills and an understanding of Nigerian tax laws, as well as the regulatory framework governing the FIRS, Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with others effectively, and an understanding of the business environment and the ability to enforce tax compliance.
Candidates should be prepared to work within the regulatory environment of the FIRS, displaying both courage and an unwavering commitment to uphold Nigeria’s tax laws.
Character and Past Performance
The FIRS recruitment mandates that applicants demonstrate a record of integrity and responsible behaviour. Specifically, applicants:
- Must not have a criminal record or a history of disciplinary action or termination in previous employment.
- Should exhibit independent and team-oriented work skills with the flexibility to adapt to various environments.
- Candidates should have a history of positive workplace contributions, showing a willingness to effect change, even amid resistance, by adhering to standards and improving processes.
General Requirements
All candidates must provide the following:
- NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate – Proof of completion or exemption from the National Youth Service Corps programme. Applicants must have completed their National Youth Ser-vice Corps (NYSC) no later than 31st December 2021.
- Medical Certification – A certificate of mental fitness from a recognised doctor at a National Hospital, Teaching Hospital, or Federal Medical Centre.
- References – Contact details for three referees, including a former employer, a close family member, and a representative from their tertiary institution.
- Certificate of State of Origin – Signed by either the Chairman or Secretary of the applicant’s Local Government Area. Certificates signed by liaison offices will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted only through the official FIRS recruitment portal at https://www.firs.gov.ng/careers. Here are the steps to apply:
- Visit the FIRS Careers page and avigate to the recruitment section, where all available positions and relevant application forms will be listed.
- Complete the form carefully, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all information.
- Upload digital copies of all necessary documents, including qualifications, certificates, and reference letters.
- After filling out the form and uploading all documents, submit the application. You should receive an acknowledgment message with a unique reference number that must be quoted in any future correspondences with the FIRS.
Applicants must submit their applications online. Only submissions made via the FIRS recruitment portal will be accepted, and each applicant is only permitted to apply for one position. Multiple applications by a single individual will result in automatic disqualification.
BHCPF.org.ng gathered that applicants should note the following:
- Candidates must apply to only one of the specified locations.
- Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Be cautious of fraudulent recruitment activities; only use the official FIRS website for applications.
- Regardless of the positions advertised, successful candidates must be prepared to work in any of FIRS’s business locations.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments, which may include aptitude tests, interviews, and medical examinations.
FIRS Slot Buying Concerns
The FIRS recruitment drive has garnered both praise and criticism across social media platforms. Many users on X and other platforms have expressed mixed views, with some lauding the transparent and inclusive process, while others remain sceptical, voicing concerns over potential slot buying and nepotism.
One user commented that this is commendable, and the first time they have seen open recruitment, but that their only worry is that it might just be for show. Some people are concerned that no child of a common man will get it without a connection. Others have stated that the FIRS may have already recruited people, and they may have started working already. Thus, this is just a formality to legitimise it. And then potential applicants are advised “Don’t waste your time.”
Amidst these criticisms, some remain hopeful that the FIRS could set a precedent by conducting a fair and unbiased recruitment exercise. It would be historic if this FIRS recruitment genuinely included ordinary Nigerians and maintained justice and equity.
The FIRS has yet to respond to these comments directly. However, by encouraging applications from a diverse pool, the agency reinforces its commitment to fairness. The official response emphasises equal opportunity, reminding all eligible applicants that they will be considered based solely on merit, provided they meet the outlined requirements.
The FIRS reiterated that only applications for the specified advertised positions would be considered, and all prospective employees must have high standards of integrity and accountability.
This FIRS recruitment is an important opportunity for graduates eager to make a difference in the Nigerian tax system. Those with skills, integrity, and a strong work ethic are being invited to submit their applications.
FIRS aims to enhance its workforce and build a more intelligent and effective tax administration framework across the country with the right employees. As the application process unfolds, the Nigerian public remains watchful, hoping for a fair and transparent outcome.
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