Zaccheus Adedeji – Chairman/CEO, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
Zaacheus Adedeji is the Chairman/CEO, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria’s number tax agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria. As the youngest Chief Executive of the agency since 1999, he was appointed at the age of 45 years in September 2023 by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Before his appointment as Executive Chairman of FIRS, Adedeji also served as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue. Adedeji was speaking as he took over from his predecessor, Muhammad Nami, who was directed by President Bola Tinubu to proceed on three months of pre-retirement leave ahead of his formal exit by December 2023.
He asserted thus, “Our aspiration is audacious – to surpass Africa’s average tax-to-GDP ratio of 16.5% and achieve an impressive 18% within three years. “By doing so, we aim to reduce our nation’s reliance on borrowing and ensure financial sustainability,” Adedeji noted. At approximately 10.8 percent tax-to-GDP, Nigeria ranks as one of the lowest tax earners globally as all manner of tax rebates and evasion hold sway amid tight revenues. While tax incomes went up 56 percent in 2022 to a record 10 trillion naira, former President Buhari, left a record 77 trillion naira debt. The budget office disclosed earlier this month that the federal government deployed as much as 99 percent of its N4.06 trillion revenues to service debt within the first half of the year. But Adedeji is optimistic that the trend would be reversed by leveraging data, innovation and technology amid stakeholders’ partnership.
Some of the remarkable achievements by the Federal Inland Revenue Service under the leadership of Zaccheus Adedeji. In an outstanding display of leadership, within just four months of assuming office, he led the FIRS to surpass its 2023 revenue target, netting close to ₦13 trillion. This remarkable feat not only restored faith in Nigeria’s revenue collection capabilities but also demonstrated his ability to drive success through strategic planning and efficiency. His foresight in restructuring the FIRS management team has proven invaluable in streamlining operations. By aligning the organization’s leadership with his vision of excellence, he has empowered a more efficient, results-oriented team, ensuring that the FIRS should operate as a cohesive and high-performing institution.
His commitment to innovation is evident in the creation of the one-stop platform for tax collection through the TaxPro Max app. This groundbreaking initiative allowed taxpayers to conveniently manage their obligations from anywhere in the country, eliminating the need for frequent trips to Abuja. This platform enhanced efficiency and symbolized his dedication to making tax compliance easier and more accessible to Nigerians. With topnotch young technology adept team, the TaxproMax mobile application is designed to enable tax payers within the public and private sector easily interface with agency. He had also made significant strides in prioritizing the welfare of FIRS staff. By ensuring salary increments and providing a supportive work environment, you have motivated the workforce, ensuring that they are not only committed to their roles but also deeply invested in the success of the institution. Raising the salaries of FIRS staff by 60 percent was a major achievements that sought beyond mere rewarding staff performance but serving as a tool to motivate productivity and excellence in the agency. He extolled a world class value system that prioritizes workforce welfare for improved performance and efficiency.
The leadership of Dr Zacch Adedeji has fostered a more cordial and transparent relationship between the FIRS and taxpayers and relevant stakeholders. By building trust and promoting open communication, you have strengthened partnerships that are vital to the success of Nigeria’s revenue collection efforts.
Adoption of quality data has been the cornerstone of the agency’s operations, enabling progress and maintainenance of the highest standards of accountability. He continues to emphasize that data-driven strategies are essential to the success of the agency. Dr. Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS is already shaping up to be a legacy of great significance and his achievements over the past months were a testament to his vision, determination, and skill in navigating complex challenges.