Group Commends Adedeji’s Leadership, Reforms At FIRS

A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has applauded the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for his exceptional leadership, integrity, and far-reaching reforms that have repositioned the Service as a model of transparency and efficiency.

In a statement issued Monday in Abuja and jointly signed by Dr. Emeka Mbonu, President, Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria; Chief (Mrs) Osondu Chinelo, Convener, Citizens Right International; the coalition described Dr. Adedeji as a visionary public servant whose innovative policies and digital-driven tax reforms have strengthened revenue mobilisation, enhanced compliance, and boosted Nigeria’s economic resilience.

They noted that under Dr. Adedeji’s stewardship, the FIRS has consistently surpassed its revenue targets, recording ₦12.36 trillion in 2023 against a projection of ₦11.55 trillion and ₦21.7 trillion in 2024, exceeding its ₦19.7 trillion goal. Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service realised ₦46 trillion in total tax revenue, representing 115 per cent of its combined targets.

According to the coalition, these achievements reflect Dr. Adedeji’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and technological innovation. The FIRS, it said, has become a benchmark for accountability through initiatives such as TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, USSD payment platforms, and the National Single Window Project, which have automated over 80 per cent of manual processes and simplified taxpayer engagement.

In reaffirming their support, the coalition expressed regret over an earlier misunderstanding and clarified that previous claims made during a protest were based on unverified information. The groups publicly apologised to Dr. Adedeji and the FIRS, describing him as a “leader of integrity, innovation, and excellence.”

“We sincerely commend Dr. Zacch Adedeji for his outstanding performance and visionary reforms at the FIRS. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership and strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration,” the statement read.

Since assuming office, Dr. Adedeji has prioritised fiscal inclusion, taxpayer satisfaction, and staff welfare. His leadership focus — anchored on service, accountability, and innovation — has contributed significantly to raising Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.8 per cent toward the African average of 18 per cent.

The CSOs pledged continued support for the FIRS reform agenda, assuring that future advocacy efforts would be guided by facts and verified data.

Observers say Dr. Adedeji’s tenure continues to attract praise from development partners, business stakeholders, and governance advocates who view his performance as a model of transparent and effective public service.