FIRS Issues Apology to Christians Following Controversial Easter Message

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has extended its apologies to the Christian community after facing backlash over a recent Easter-themed flyer shared on its social media platforms. The flyer, bearing the message “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes,” drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), for its perceived insensitivity towards the religious significance of Easter.

In response to the outcry, the FIRS, through a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser Media to the FIRS chairman, clarified that the intention was not to offend or undermine the importance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Adekanmbi emphasized the agency’s commitment to responsible communication and acknowledged the unintended offense caused by the message.

The FIRS explained that the flyer aimed to creatively engage taxpayers and highlight their civic duty to fulfill tax obligations. However, it regretted any misinterpretations and expressed remorse for any offense caused, particularly to the Christian community.

Recognizing CAN’s concerns and affirming its dedication to religious neutrality, the FIRS reiterated its primary mandate of revenue assessment and collection for the betterment of the Nigerian Federation. The agency reaffirmed its respect for religious beliefs and extended sincere apologies to CAN and all Christians who felt offended by the unintended implications of the Easter Sunday message.

This apology comes amidst ongoing discussions about the appropriate balance between government communication strategies and respect for religious sensitivities in Nigeria.