CSOs Back FIRS Boss, Warns Against Plot To Derail Tax Reforms

Over 72 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have declared support for the reforms introduced by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

At a joint press conference in Abuja yesterday, Convener of the coalition and National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), Comrade Ibrahim Bello, said the groups were not surprised by what they described as a coordinated attempt by “mischief makers” to discredit the FIRS boss.

Bello noted that certain interests opposed to the reforms currently underway at the FIRS were sponsoring false narratives because the era of “business as usual” had ended.

The coalition also disclosed that it had written a strongly worded petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, alleging that some lawmakers were lending support to “politically motivated attacks” against Dr. Adedeji.

The groups urged the Speaker to call such members to order, warning that unfounded accusations undermine President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform efforts.

The CSOs represented at the briefing included leaders of organisations such as Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative, Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste, Integrity Monitors Network, Voice of Conscience Foundation, Patriots for Transparent Procurement and several others across the six geopolitical zones.

According to the coalition, Dr. Adedeji’s sweeping reforms have significantly improved federal revenue generation and strengthened fiscal stability.

“It is unfortunate to see groups being paid to blackmail a dedicated public servant,” the CSOs said. “Our findings show that the allegations being circulated are sponsored and baseless.”

They praised the FIRS chairman for deepening tax administration, blocking leakages, strengthening institutional efficiency, and restoring confidence in revenue mobilisation.

The groups emphasised that Dr. Adedeji has consistently met—and in some cases surpassed—the revenue targets set for the Service, while also implementing policies that have improved staff welfare and overall organisational performance.